Poker Night at the Hockey Hall of Fame

TORONTO, ON - September 15, 2009 - On October 8th, 2009 Shoot For A Cure and The Hockey News will be hosting an Evening at the Hockey Hall of Fame, presented by Betfair Poker.  The goal of the event is to raise funds for Shoot For A Cure's Play It Cool^TM youth hockey injury prevention program.  Play It Cool^TM aims to reduce the incidence of spinal injuries and concussion in hockey.

 

Over 400 participants are expected to enjoy an evening of music, food, entertainment, auctions and poker. Players will be matched across the card table with famed NHL players and Alumni as well as Toronto media personalities, surrounded by the prestige of the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF).  Participants will also have the opportunity to view the HHOF's legendary memorabilia collection, and attend the exclusive after party, hosted at The BottomLine steakhouse and sports bar. 

 

Director of Hockey Operations for Shoot For A Cure, Kerry Goulet, is thrilled by the support of the event from The Hockey News.  "The Hockey News is such an influential force in the hockey industry, that we are so encouraged by the ongoing attention that they have given to the Play It Cool program," says Goulet. While Play It Cool is aimed at increasing safety on the ice, it is also focused on helping to keep kids playing the game.  The program will provide the tools to empower parents to feel secure sending their kids on the ice.

 

The key to the success of the Play It Cool program has depended on the strength of its partnerships. Betfairpoker.net has been a big supporter of the Shoot For A Cure campaign, and recently helped to raise $25,000 for the charity this past spring.  "We are thrilled to be able to continue to help raise funds for such a great cause and are committed to helping Shoot For A Cure fulfill its goals." says Richard Bloch, Head of International Public Relations for Betfair Poker.

 

Like Bloch, Caroline Andrews, publisher of The Hockey News is dedicated to helping propel the Play It Cool program.  "At the Hockey News, we realize that in order to keep kids playing the game of hockey, we must first ensure their safety on the ice.  Our partnership with The Play It Cool program gives The Hockey News the opportunity to give back to the grassroots hockey community, "comments Andrews.

 

The grand prize, valued at over $2,500 includes two tickets to the Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, other prizes include an autographed poker table signed by celebrity participants, and a collection of other fabulous prizes to be won.

 

For more information, and to see an updated list of confirmed celebrities, please visit www.playitcoolhockey.com.  For tickets please contact toni@29sports.com or call 416-453-0739.

 

 

About Shoot For A Cure

Shoot For A Cure is a fundraising campaign of the Canadian and American Spinal Research Organization.  It is directly focused on and led by the hockey community.  Shoot For A Cure seeks to raise funds for spinal cord research, to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries in sport and to promote prevention of neurotraumatic injuries through sporting events, the sports community, sponsorship, donations and the Play It Cool^TM program. www.shootforacure.org

 

About Betfair

Betfair is the world's biggest online betting community and pioneered the first successful betting exchange in 2000. Driven by cutting-edge technology, Betfair enables customers to choose their own odds and bet even after the event has started. The company now processes over 15 million transactions a day from over 2 million registered customers. Betfair has twice been named the UK's 'Company of the Year' by the Confederation of British Industry and remains one of the only betting companies to win a Queen's Award for Enterprise, being recognised for Innovation in 2003 and most recently for International Trade in 2008. For more information, visit www.betfairpoker.net.

For more information, please contact:

Kerry Goulet,

Director of Hockey Operations for Shoot For A Cure

Tel: 416-828-2929 E: goulet29@29sports.com

 

Renee Weekes

Public Relations & Communications Manager for Shoot For A Cure

Tel: 416-894-7209 E: reneeweekes@shootforacure.org