You couldn’t find a more suitable person than Heather Cooke-Erwin to drop the ceremonial puck for a game that combines hockey and healthcare. Taking the faceoff were Al Iafrate (left) and Shayne Corson. Heather Cooke-Erwin is about to drop the puck and is standing between officials Dave VanBruinnessen and Brian Erwin. In the back row are Mike Krushelnyski, John LeClair, Troy Crowder, and Shean Donovan. Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – The Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) All-Stars Hockey game, benefitting the WDMH Foundation is as popular a fundraising event as you will find, and on Saturday evening, Nov. 8, the tension climbed even higher as the game went into overtime before a winner was decided.

This was the third year for the event, which brings a selection of popular retired NHL and Canadian Women’s hockey stars to the ice of the Sam Ault arena, and gives local players an opportunity to skate with those who have been idols for so many.

The lineup varies from year-to-year, and this year six former NHL’ers made their way to Winchester, and each one of them had a long career. The NHL Celebrity Roster included:

  • John LeClair, 1991-2006, Canadiens, Flyers, Penguins
  • Mike Krushelnyski, 1981-1996, Bruins, Oilers, Kings Maple Leafs, Red Wings
  • Shean Donovan, 1995-2010, Sharks, Avalanche, Thrashers, Penguins, Flames, Bruins, Senators
  • Shayne Corson, 1989-2006, Canadiens, Blues, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Flyers
  • Al Iafrate, 1984-1998, Maple Leafs, Capitals, Sharks
  • Troy Crowder, 1987-1997, Devils, Red Wings, Kings

The members of the WDMH team might not be as well known for their hockey skills, but they certainly would be familiar to many who live in the area. The WDMH team included:

  • Kayleb Fleming
  • Jamie Clare
  • Alex Blair-Corriveau
  • Claude Plamondon
  • Matthew Cormier
  • Dean Williams
  • Shane Jordan
  • William Byker
  • Mark Comfort
  • Steven Johnston (goaltender)
  • Josh Diliso (goaltender)

To provide the most entertaining, competitive, and enjoyable game for all involved, the players were divided so that there were three NHL Celebrities on each team.

The M/C for the event was well-known sports trivia expert Liam Maguire, who kept the crowd entertained with his steady play-by-play call, intermixed with statistical information.

Following a welcome from Cindy Ault Peters, WDMH Executive Director, and the singing of the National Anthem by Marleen Fawcett, it was time for the ceremonial puck drop by Heather Cooke-Erwin. Cooke-Erwin has a unique connection between hockey and the area’s health care providers, and you would have a difficult time finding a more suitable person to drop the puck for a game like this. Cooke-Erwin’s daughter Alyson Sample read a thank you on her mother’s behalf.

“My mom has been a regular at the Winchester hospital the last couple of years with all her health issues and having been present in the hospital during one of her worst seizures and watching the nurses, doctors, and paramedics in the emergency department  work so efficiently, carefully, while also being compassionate and kind towards a stressed father has made me eternally grateful,” said Sample.

“I would like to take this moment on behalf of my mom, and all the people love her to thank God for all you’ve done.”

With the formalities out of the way, the two teams lined up, and the game got underway.

Make no mistake about it, the NHL players are beyond their days as professional players, but they all still exhibit a level of skill and finesse that many (most?) players would be quite happy to achieve. Effortless skating, tape-to-tape passing, laser accurate shooting. Whether they were a part of the team you cheered for or not, there is just something about watching someone who has played any game at the highest level that brings you back to the time when you were watching and they were on top of their game.

The game was back and forth with neither one gaining much of an advantage. The officials did their part to keep the tempo up, waving off icing when it seemed appropriate, and assessing penalties (in the form of penalty shots) when necessary.

At the end of regulation time the score was tied 7-7, so the format switched to three-on-three. As time approached the four-minute mark Shayne Corson snuck behind the defense, cruised down the left side before driving the net and tucking the puck past Josh Diliso for the win.

Of course, no one loses in a game like this. The players all win for the experience, whether it is the chance to reignite the camaraderie they enjoyed for so long, or a chance to share the ice with some of “the best.” The fans win for the chance to see their idols one more time. And the WDMH wins by raising much needed funds by allowing people a chance of a lifetime. And when the WDMH wins, we all win. There is no better outcome than that.