Abbotsford Heat Welcome Canadian War Hero

Published on February 18, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


Abbotsford, BC - The Abbotsford Heat are pleased to announce that Canadian Forces war hero Master Corporal (retired) Paul Franklin will be dropping the puck prior to their game on Saturday February 23rd at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC). The Heat will be playing the Charlotte Checkers (AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes) with the ceremonial puck-drop at 7:00 PM PST. Paul will be joined at centre ice by Abbotsford Heat President Ryan Walter and escorted by an Honour Guard from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 280, Vedder Crossing.

As a medic attached to the Edmonton Garrison's Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), 3rd Battalion, Paul was severely wounded during his second tour of duty in Afghanistan in January of 2006. A suicide bomber struck his armoured vehicle in downtown Kandahar, killing Canadian diplomat Glynn Berry and badly wounding two other Canadian soldiers. As a result of the injuries he received, Paul became Canada's first, double above-the-knee amputee casualty from the Afghanistan conflict.

Back in Edmonton, Paul embarked on a regimen of rehabilitation and physiotherapy, which led to the foundation of The Franklin Foundation, working with the University of Alberta to enhance the development of prosthetics and amputee care through sport and training. Paul currently leads the Amputee Coalition of Canada's fundraising efforts and is coming to Abbotsford as a co-founder of the Heroes Hockey Challenge, a charity Gala Dinner and Hockey event that raises awareness and financial assistance for Canada's wounded soldiers and the families of those who have fallen.

The Gala Dinner will be held at the Phoenix Lounge adjacent to the AESC on Saturday, April 6th. The following afternoon, the Heroes Hockey Challenge Warriors will face off against the Firstar Legends, a team of well-known NHL veterans specially drafted for the occasion. Expect to see such familiar faces as Cliff Ronning, Greg "Gus" Adams, Dave "Tiger" Williams, Dana Murzyn, Dave Babych, Ryan Walter and Pat Quinn either on the ice or behind the bench. For more information and/or ticket purchases for this event, please visit www.heroeshockeychallenge.com.

For tickets and more information on the Heat, please call 1 877 452-HEAT(4328) or visit www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.

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