'BE GREAT! Classic for Kids' a Hit at Amway Center
March 6, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release
Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears held the 'BE GREAT! Classic for Kids' on Saturday, March 2, raising over $6,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. The contest came right down to the wire, with Team Teal scoring five unanswered goals to come back from a 5-1 deficit and earn a thrilling 6-5 victory over Team Purple.
"We are grateful to the Orlando Solar Bears and the Central Florida community for coming out and supporting the 'BE GREAT! Classic for Kids' Celebrity Classic," said Gary Cain, President and Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. "The funds raised will directly impact our core youth development programs and the nearly 13,000 Club members we serve annually. It's thanks to partners like the Orlando Solar Bears that we are able to continue providing at-risk children with the tools needed to become successful, hard-working and caring citizens."
The Solar Bears invited four former NHL players to take part in the game, as seven-time Stanley Cup champion Bryan Trottier, Solar Bears Head Coach and veteran of 549 NHL games Drake Berehowsky, and former Solar Bears and NHL-ers Allan Bester and Bob Joyce hit the ice with local Orlando players. All participants had an opportunity to skate with both Trottier and Berehowksy after the two were traded for each other following the first 20 minutes of action.
Each side had an MVP candidate that was recognized during the first intermission of the Solar Bears game that took place immediately following the 'BE GREAT! Classic for Kids.' Team Teal was represented by goaltender Richard Nitz, who made 20 saves to spur Teal to the comeback win. Guy Crawford scored the first goal in the history of the 'BE GREAT! Classic' to become the Team Purple MVP. Both players were handed an MVP trophy by Bryan Trottier during the ceremony at the first intermission of the Solar Bears game.
Over 500 fans came out to the Amway Center to watch the game. Proceeds from the contest along with a silent jersey auction and the Chuck-A-Puck proceeds from Saturday's game, raised over $6,000 to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.
"It's great to see everyone come out and support the event," said Trottier. "I'm sure the funds are going to be well used to help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. I really enjoyed getting a chance to experience the hockey excitement around Orlando."
"What a thrill to have Bryan Trottier join our hockey community to raise awareness for the Boys & Girls Clubs", said Solar Bears Managing Partner Jason Seigel. "We are already working on next season's event as we look to make this an annual tradition."
The Solar Bears embark on a six game road trip before starting a final five game regular season home stretch beginning with a St. Patrick's Day Celebration game on Wednesday, March 20th against the Greenville Road Warriors, who also provide the competition for the Thursday, March 21st home game. The home stand continues on Sunday, March 24th against Cincinnati and concludes with a pair of games against arch rivals, the Florida Everblades on Spring Break Week - Tuesday, March 26th, and Wednesday, March 27th.
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