Despite the fact players are currently locked out from competing with their National Hockey League clubs, a handful of prominent NHLers are taking to the ice Monday to compete in an exhibition game.
Stars such as Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson and Montreal Canadiens captain Brian Gionta will play in the First Assist Charity Classic at the Cornwall (Ont.) Civic Complex.
The game was organized by former NHL player and assistant coach John Chabot with the goal of benefiting his charity, First Assist — a sports and education-based program that funds programs for First Nations youth.
In addition to Alfredsson, Senators Chris Neil, Chris Philips, Zach Smith, Peter Regin, plus newly acquired Guillaume Latendresse and Marc Methot will participate in the game, as will retired Senators forward Sean Donovan.
Gionta’s Canadiens teammates, Travis Moen and Josh Gorges, will also suit up. So will Gionta’s younger brother, Stephen Gionta, of the New Jersey Devils.
Others set to participate include Winnipeg Jets defenceman Grant Clitsome, Columbus Blue Jackets standout Derick Brassard, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy and former Cornwall Colt Jesse Winchester.
Looking forward to playing in the First Assist Charity Classic tomorrow night at 730 in Cornwall, hope to see you there.#gameday
— Grant Clitsome (@GClitsome) November 4, 2012
“The City of Cornwall and the surrounding areas are made up of tremendous hockey fans and they will enjoy seeing NHL players up close,” Chabot told choosecornwall.ca. “There will be a number of opportunities for fans to interact with the players.”
Chabot is planning on organizing a series of charity exhibition games across Ontario, Northern Quebec and the Northwest Territories.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from other towns to visit and play. Everything has come together very quickly,” Chabot added.