Scotiabank "Stick-It to Prostate Cancer" ball hockey tournament
There were fewer parking spots available at the CrossIron Mills Mall this past Sunday. No less than 41 teams invaded the lot at this Calgary area shopping centre to participate in the first Scotiabank "Stick-It to Prostate Cancer" ball hockey tournament.
Jim Peplinski, broadcaster and Stanley Cup winner (as Co-captain of the Calgary Flames in 1989) was among the luminaries on hand. The NHL great stressed the importance of PSA tests and knowing one’s risk.
Olympians Kelly Bechard and Carla McLeod of the gold medal-winning women's hockey team supported the event, as did luge team members Jeff Christie and Sam Edney and Paralympian sprint champion Earle Connor.
Honorary chairman/entrepreneur/star of the CBC's Dragon's Den/prostate cancer warrior, Brett Wilson, called on all men to start getting PSA tests in their 40s.
Former Flame (and Bruin and Red Wing) Sheldon Kennedy demonstrated his extraordinary heart yet again, noting that prostate cancer is also something that needs to be talked about, that awareness of the disease and its risks are key.
400 people attended the tournament which raised more than $100,000.
"We are so proud of and thankful for all the men and their families and friends who participated and raised both awareness and funds to make the first Scotiabank Stick-It to Prostate Cancer such a great success," said Steve Jones, President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada.