CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Benefit For Jason Baird Set For August 24th in Youngstown

Published on July 31, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


(Southaven, MS) -- The hockey world is coming together to help a player in a time of need and the Mississippi RiverKings are seeking your support to assist in the fundraising effort for former Youngstown SteelHounds player Jason Baird. A benefit event is being held at the Chevrolet Centre in Youngstown on August 24th for Baird, who was severely burned in a lawn mowing accident earlier this month.

Among the co-leaders of the benefit is RiverKings' coach Kevin Kaminski, who coached Baird in Youngstown last season. Kaminski says part of the fundraiser will include an exhibition hockey game, set to begin at 3 PM on August 24th.

The game will feature former and current NHL players against former SteelHounds and other minor league players. Kaminski hopes the game will attract a large response. "Our goal is to get 6,000 people in there," Kaminski said.

In addition to the game, there will be an auction before the contest and another auction of the players' jerseys from the contest following the game. All proceeds from the event will go to help defray Baird's medical expenses.

Baird received second and third-degree burns over 65 percent of his body when the riding lawn mower he was operating exploded, while working for a landscaping company in nearby Austintown, Ohio. He's making steady progress in his recovery at the Akron Children's Hospital Burn Center, but has a long road ahead of him in the recovery effort.

Kaminski told the Youngstown Vindicator newspaper, "This is a good opportunity to gather around [a good cause] and embrace together. This is a hockey family and this is what hockey is all about - helping people to get through tough times like this. With all of the NHL players coming in [for the game], this should be a great night for a great cause."

Among the group of players taking part will be former teammates of Baird, including Mike Rupp, who is now with the New Jersey Devils, former Pittsburgh Penguins Phil Bourque, Ken Wregget, Troy Loney and Mark Kachowski, and a number of former SteelHounds teammates from last season. Kaminski, a former member of the NHL's Washington Capitals, will also suit up and take part in the contest.

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Central Hockey League Stories from July 31, 2008


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