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Back to the Future: The 2014 Scotiabank Baycrest Pro-Am prepares for puck drop

By: Dan Berlin, Pro-Am Blogger - 21/01/2014

Eighty years ago, Toronto staged the first-ever all-star game in hockey history, featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on a distinguished group of NHL all-stars.

This Friday, history repeats itself as NHL and Maple Leaf alumni faceoff in Toronto at the official launch of the ninth annual Scotiabank Baycrest Pro-Am event, held Jan. 24, 2014 at Nathan Phillips Square from 12-2 p.m.

Former Maple Leaf great Wendel Clark – along with special guest Sam Roberts - headline this year’s outdoor game at Toronto City Hall, as they battle in a winter hockey showdown to help “Stick it to Alzheimer’s.”  And following the game, everyone in attendance is invited to take part in a free public skate alongside some of their favourite hockey heroes!

Other confirmed Leaf alumni in attendance this Friday include Todd Warriner, Rob Pearson, Mike Krushelnyski and Kevin Maguire. Former NHL 60-goal scorer Dennis Maruk, along with Montreal Canadiens alumni Gilbert Dionne and Mark Napier, will also lace ‘em up for the cause.

Follow us on Twitter (@scotiabankproam) using hashtag #BaycrestProAm and like us on Facebook to follow all the action on game day!

Since its inception in 2006, the Scotiabank Baycrest Pro-Am tournament gives participants a rare opportunity to realize their childhood dreams by playing alongside former Stanley Cup champions and hall-of-fame players. To participate, teams must raise a minimum of $25,000. The team that raises the most money is awarded the first pick in the annual draft, choosing from an esteemed roster of NHL alumni, including Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour and Curtis Joseph, to name a few.

Legendary defenceman Ray Bourque, last year’s first overall pick, went for a staggering $115,654. Over 30 teams are expected to participate this year.

Back on Valentine’s Day 1934, a first-of-its-kind benefit game pitted the Leafs against the NHL all-stars at Maple Leaf Gardens to raise money for famed Toronto rear-guard Ace Bailey. Bailey was recovering from a near-fatal head injury suffered during an infamous on-ice altercation with the Bruins’ Eddie Shore.

Now entering its ninth year, the Scotiabank Baycrest Pro-Am has raised over $23 million dollars for Alzheimer’s care, education and research at Baycrest – a global leader in developing and providing innovations in aging and brain health.

This year’s event takes place May 1-3, 2014. Register a team or sponsor a 2014 Scotiabank Baycrest Pro-Am player.