Fans and Players Support Charron's Fight
Published on August 2, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release
(Rochester, NY)... The Sports Centre at Monroe Community College was filled to capacity Sunday evening to support Rochester Americans Hall of Famer Craig Charron in his battle with cancer. The crowd of 3,500 was treated to an exhibition game that included National Hockey League stars, prospects and former Rochester American greats.
"It's quite humbling when so many people have come and helped support me," said Charron, who was joined by his wife, Wendy, and four children. "It's amazing to come to the realization how many people I have touched in the course of my lifetime."
The fans not only supported the players and Charron with numerous standing ovations, but also donated generously to the Charron family as between $35,000 and $40,000 was raised at the inaugural event put on by the Rochester Americans Alumni Association. The New York State Troopers Association also contributed to the success of the night by handing Charron a check for $1,000 at a pregame on-ice ceremony. The largest individual donation was courtesy of former Amerk and longtime Buffalo Sabres tough guy Rob Ray, who contributed $5,000 from the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association. Ray donated the funds after scoring on a penalty shot with some help from former Amerk Andrew Peters who knocked goalie David Leggio out of the crease.
"It was quite an array of great players. It was nice to play with those guys," said Charron, who participated in warm-ups and led the teams out onto the ice. "More importantly they all came put to support the cause and help my family and I."
The fans were treated to a display of skill and some on-ice antics by some of the best players past and present. The game was a 12-5 victory for the blue team with Amerk Hall of Famer Metcalfe providing three goals, and Ray and former Amerk Geoff Peters each chipping in two goals. San Jose Sharks winger and former Amerk Scott Nichol added some punch offensively for the white team with two goals. Former teammate, and Amerks Assistant Coach, Jason Cipolla provided a penalty-shot goal and one assist for the White club.
The rosters were filled with National Hockey League players, including local stars Brian Gionta (Montreal), Ryan Callahan (NY Rangers), Marty Reasoner (Florida), Nichol (San Jose), Nathan Paetsch (Florida), and past NHLer and Rochester American Rory Fitzpatrick. Hockey Legends Lindy Ruff, Rob Ray and Craig Muni, who played in the game, were joined by 1980 Miracle on Ice players Jim Craig and Mike Eruzione, Rick Martin and Rene Robert of the Buffalo Sabres' legendary "French Connection" line, broadcasting icon Harry Neale, NHL Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne, Peter Mahovlich and former Amerk Martin Biron.
"He is a great guy and that's why you see such a great turnout. The hockey community is very tight," said Fitzpatrick. "Craig was a good guy, good teammate and a good friend. I think a lot of guys would do anything to help him."
The Rochester Americans Alumni featured in the game included 25 current and former players, including Jody Gage, Randy Cunneyworth, Jim Wiemer, Metcalfe, Geordie Robertson, Jim Hofford, Dan Frawley, Gates Orlando, Cipolla, Brian McKinnon, Patrick Kaleta (Buffalo), Andrew Peters (New Jersey) and his brother Geoff.
"Take a look at the roster and you have former Amerks, guys that have moved on to the NHL and guys that play in the NHL now that are considered superstars. Then you have guys that plugged away in the minors like myself," said Peters with a laugh. "It was a good mix. It was a great cause and a wonderful day."
For further information about Craig Charron and future fundraising events, log onto www.craigcharron.com.
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