Skip to content

NHLers hit the ice with local kids

THUNDER BAY – Unlike some of his other Thunder Bay National Hockey League colleagues, Robert Bortuzzo has been keeping a low profile this summer.
391903_33592945

THUNDER BAY – Unlike some of his other Thunder Bay National Hockey League colleagues, Robert Bortuzzo has been keeping a low profile this summer.

But there’s one event he’d never miss – the Easter Seals annual Celebrity Skate for Kids.

The St. Louis Blues defenceman joined new teammate Carter Hutton and Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Matt Murray on Wednesday at the Tournament Centre for the annual event, joining about 60 excited children on the ice.

“It’s a great event and we’re happy to come every year. It seems like the kids have a great time, we all have a great time and it’s just fun putting some smiles on some faces and running around with the kids,” said Bortuzzo.

That’s what it’s all about, he added.

The kids, who raise a minimum of $50 for Easter Seals to spend an hour on the ice with their favourite NHL stars, have the most fun, Bortuzzo said.

“They like to race and chase us around and everyone is smiling and having a great time,” he said. “It’s a great event and it’s a great cause.”

Hutton has been taking part for the past three years, after joining the NHL club with a one-game stint with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2014.

“I know we’re very fortunate to be in the position we are and be able to come out and help Easter Seals is great,” the 30-year-old Hutton said.

“I think an event like this is one of our favourites because we get to be out there on the ice, in our element, with the kids. It’s a pretty fun experience.”

It was the first time taking part for Murray, who last week brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown, drawing thousands to Intercity Shopping Centre.

“It’s just such a great event and it raises a ton of money for the community and for a great cause,” Murray said.

At 22, the Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender says he’s not that far removed from looking up to his own NHL heroes and remembers taking part in plenty of events with Thunder Bay’s hockey stars when he was a bit younger.

“I was definitely involved in a lot of fundraising activities and a lot of things that involved pro hockey players, so I remember being in these kids’ shoes and how exciting it was. So I’m excited to be on the other side of it,” Murray said.

Easter Seals’ Rhonda Harrison said the event has raised more than $150,000 over its 13-year run.

“It’s a great fundraiser and grateful for the generosity of the community,” Harrison said, adding she can’t thank the players enough for giving up an afternoon to help make it happen.

 



Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
Read more



push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks