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Crenians team up to help “stick it to Alzheimer’s!”

By: Dan Berlin, Pro-Am Blogger - 08/04/2014

crenians-father-son

For six-year Scotiabank Baycrest Pro-Am veteran Richard Crenian, there’s only one thing better than playing with former NHL greats to help “stick it to Alzheimer’s.”

It’s skating alongside his son, Hunter.

With this dream now a reality heading into their second straight year together, it has inspired Richard to take his game to the next level, both on and off the ice.

Already distinguished as last year’s top individual fundraiser, Richard now finds himself back atop the standings in 2014. Only this time, it’s with some familiar company. 

Richard and Hunter have raised $25,000 apiece so far to lead the way this year in support of their team, The Coop Architects, and this worthy cause.

“It’s all about the program here. It’s all about helping and funding,” says Richard, President at Redev Properties. “I don’t look at it as an individual. It’s very important that we’re [collectively] supporting a cause.

“Whether you have one dollar donated or $100 donated, being at the top or not, it’s a combined effort.“

Richard, a true hockey buff who loves playing the game, looks forward to savouring every moment on the ice with Hunter this May.

And if their chemistry is as good on the ice as it is off it, the elder Crenian could even look to lead the event this year – in goals.

“I’m more of an assist guy,” admits Hunter, a skilled rep-level forward with the added confidence of now having a year at the Pro-Am under his belt. “It’s a really good cause and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

With less than a month to go before puck drop, the dynamic duo have helped put their team in a great position come draft night. Based on the current team standings, the Coop Architects – who have raised more than $53,000 collectively - would have the second overall selection if the Pro-Am Draft was held today.

So which NHL alumni player would they take?

“We’ll leave our team captain to do the choosing,” says Richard, whose humility and generosity have afforded him the pleasure of skating alongside former NHL superstars and hall-of-famers like Doug Gilmour, Mike Gartner, Bryan Trottier and Paul Coffey in previous years.

“It’d be an honour to play with anybody,” adds Hunter. 

Like father, like son.

But playing together is hardly the reason why the Crenians are so involved with Baycrest. They genuinely want to help find a cure to this debilitating disease that has affected them personally.

“One of the things that motivates us is my aunt died from Alzheimer’s,” says Richard. “I always tell Hunter it’s remarkable we can wake up in the morning, find our car keys and even drive to an event [like this]. People with Alzheimer’s, especially with serious Alzheimer’s, can’t even function that way.  

“We’re very blessed.”

Help us “Stick it to Alzheimer’s” at this year’s Scotiabank Baycrest Pro-Am. Register your team or donate to this worthy cause.

Follow Dan on Twitter @Dan_Berlin and stay up on the latest event news @ScotiabankProAm.