More than 1,500 fans filled the Peterborough Memorial Centre last Wednesday (Jan. 23) in support of the Thirsty Canadian United Way Hockey Challenge. The game featured the Conservative Party of Canada team against the United Way All Stars.
At the final buzzer the scoreboard read 11-10 in favour of The Untied Way All Stars, but the true winners on this night were the United Way recipients. Between ticket sales, sponsor donations and silent auction items, Peterborough's Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro presented the Peterborough and District United Way with cheques totalling near $45,000 at the conclusion of the charity game. Local business owner Rich Vissers and MP Dean Del Mastro spearheaded the event with Dean behind the mask for the Conservative Party All Stars. The Conservative Party team was made up of MPs from all across Canada, while the United Way All Star team consisted of a number of NHL alumni like Steve Larmer and John Druce but was filled out by an interesting selection of celebrities ranging from Sean Lafonte, a Monster Truck Driver, Darryl Andrews from the Canada's Worst Handyman series & TNA Impact! Wrestling Superstar Robert Roode. The originality of the team line-up undoubtedly led to the great interest in the event. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was scheduled to coach the Conserative MP team but missed the game due to inclement weather conditions.
Rick Vissers, event organizer and owner of the Thirsty Canadian Pub and Grill, said after the benefit game that there is a great chance the teams will face off next year. “It's second to none what we have accomplished in only eight and half weeks,” says Vissers.
“It was an entertaining game for the fans, but the fundraising for the United Way year-end totals which set a new record was most important. We can't wait until next year. See if we can strive for more.”
