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A fresh take on an old classic

By: Dan Berlin, Pro-Am Blogger - 17/03/2014

There’s really no questioning the success of the Scotiabank Baycrest Pro-Am. After eight great years, the annual hockey tournament-fundraiser has raised more than $23 million to help “stick it to Alzheimer’s,” while loyal participants keep coming back for the chance to play with their NHL heroes and give back to this worthy cause.

“It’s lasted a long time,” says former Leaf legend Wendel Clark, who will be participating in the event for the ninth straight year. “Between the alumni and the guys that raise all the money, it’s been a great thing for awhile.”

So how do tournament organizers make a great thing even better? 

By freshening-up the digs.

The Scotiabank Baycrest Pro-Am has a new home for 2014 - the brand new, state-of-the-art Buckingham Arena complex at Downsview Park. In addition to four fresh sheets of ice, each of the participating teams will be treated to a “pro like” dressing room for the weekend, complete with heated floors and individual showers.

Heck, they even smell good.

Just another way for Baycrest to give back to the teams and players who will be participating in this year’s event, held May 1-3, 2014.

“The true heroes are the guys that raise the money to get on these teams that we’re fortunate enough to play with,” says former Maple Leaf Todd Warriner. “I’m happy to be involved and I look forward to May.”

On March 24, team captains will be offered a sneak peek at the new rink, with a chance to test out the ice first-hand in a shinny game. A few esteemed NHL alumni members will also lace ‘em up that day too, including Hall-of-Famer Marcel Dionne, Mike Krushelnyski and former 60-goal scorer Dennis Maruk. 

For Maruk, an annual fixture at the Pro-Am, the cause hits close to home.

“It’s personal to me. I have neighbours and friends that have had issues with dementia,” says Maruk, who starred in the ‘80s with the Washington Capitals. “A fella I played youth hockey with, his mother passed away from it, so it’s pretty close to me.”

With six weeks still to go until puck drop, two teams and two individuals are leading the fundraising charge in a big way. The Coop Architects ($50,700) and KAOS ($44,477) have almost combined to raise $100,000 thus far. Meanwhile, Richard and Hunter Crenian have raised  an impressive $25,000 each. And, 11 teams have already each fundraised more than $10,000 -putting them well on their way to the $25,000 minimum required for each team to participate.

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.