When a local service organization aimed to create a fundraiser that would be fun for families throughout the community, they looked no further than the ice.
On March 27, the area's first ever 14-hour hockey marathon begins at 10 p.m., runs until noon the following day, and will benefit Hospice of Chautauqua County.
"Our goal was to create an event that would be enjoyable for the entire community and highlight hockey at all age levels, while raising the awareness of the services Hospice Chautauqua County offers to patients and families during the end stages of a loved one's life," said Ron Sellers, Hospice president and chief executive officer. "The response we have received from the hockey community alone has been phenomenal."
The event will take place at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, and the only direct cost to the public is a $10 ticket to see the Sabres Alumni take on Team Hospice.
Team Hospice is comprised of amateur hockey players and fanatics from around the region, all of whom are playing for a chance to skate with the Sabres stars of yesteryear and to benefit an organization that works year-round to help others.
"There are some players who are eager to play the entire 14 hours, giving them bragging rights to say that they survived the Hockey for Hospice marathon," said Suzanne Sawyer, director of community relations for Hospice Chautauqua County. "We are anticipating well over 200 players."
Among the players are everyday citizens from all walks of life and all ages. They are as diverse of a group as the clients that Hospice aims to serve, and this past week, The Post-Journal caught up with a few of them to ask them about the event and their passion for the sport:
DAVID FOLEY, 44, DISTRICT ATTORNEY
When did you start playing hockey?
I first started playing pond hockey in the 1970s. Back then, there weren't any indoor ice arenas in the area so we always played on the ponds when they froze for the winter. I was lucky enough to go to the Buffalo Sabres hockey camp when I was a kid, and that was a great experience. I was able to learn the game from the people who knew it best, and chances are I skated then with some of the guys we'll be squaring off against in the Hockey for Hospice game.
What leagues do you currently play in?
Right now, I don't play in any hockey leagues. When I decided to run for district attorney, I stopped playing because of the time constraints and because I figured that the job takes precedent over getting injured. In the past I've had a broken ankle and ruptured discs in my back.
Do you have a favorite memory related to the Buffalo Sabres?
Mine is definitely the experience of going to their camp. Guys like Gilbert Perreault and Roger Crozier are heroes of mine, and being able to play alongside them was a childhood dream come true.
Do you have a favorite memory of playing in previous Sabres Alumni Games?
In 2006, I played with the Chautauqua County cops team against them and it was a little intimidating. I remember playing Danny Gare, and it was just amazing to see his skill set. When your on the ice with them, it's a whole different experience. I'm looking forward to the game this year because even though its been four years for me, Hospice is a great community service. They do so much for so many, and when I heard all of this was for Hospice, I couldn't say no.
RHOE HENDERSON, 62, RHOE B. HENDERSON INSURANCE AGENCY
When did you start playing hockey?
I played a little back in college but really didn't get completely into it until I was in my late 30s. I was coaching a lot and just didn't have the time until that time in my life. I put my wife and kids first.
What leagues do you currently play in?
I play in the Sunday night league at the (Jamestown Savings Bank) ice arena and with the pick-up league on Wednesday nights. It's the same group of guys I've played with for about 20 years and we have a lot of fun.
Do you have a favorite memory related to the Buffalo Sabres?
One of my favorite memories was playing against the Sabres Alumni team seven years ago. We had a great time that year. On TV, I enjoyed watching their run for the Stanley Cup. That was an amazing season and definitely one I'll never forget. As a hockey coach, my favorite time was when I was an assistant coach for my son's team and they won the Northeast regionals in Boston. That was a very proud moment and I believe we went further than any other team from this area.
Do you have a favorite memory of playing in previous Sabres Alumni Games?
I only played in the first alumni game and what was amazing to me, was to see first hand exactly how good they are. Even though they are not of playing age, they still have the skills. I remember Gilbert Perreault singing Proud Mary on the ice, and then doing karaoke later on at Shawbucks. He's never seen a mic he didn't like and we all had a great time. They were all very good guys and I'm really looking forward to the game this year.
CRAIG HINDERLEIDER, 26, JAMESTOWN SAVINGS BANK ICE ARENA
When did you start playing hockey?
I started playing way back when I was 8 years old - I've always just enjoyed hockey. Now I work here at the ice arena and do all kinds of things, like work the Zamboni.
What leagues do you currently play in?
I've played in the adult league here in town since I graduated from high school. Right now I'm on the Lakewood Golf Center team.
Do you have a favorite memory related to the Buffalo Sabres?
When I was younger, maybe around 8 or 9 years old, my team (Jamestown Lakers) got the chance to play in between periods at a Sabres game, back when they played at The Aud. I remember sitting in those fancy locker rooms and seeing the stars I watched on TV walking through the halls. It was a really cool experience.
Do you have a favorite memory of playing in previous Sabres Alumni Games?
This is my first alumni game, and I'm excited about it. It will be interesting to be out there on the ice with them - a different perspective. No question, it was a great opportunity to be asked to play so I couldn't say no. It is going to be a lot of fun and I'm really looking forward to it.
JAY BISHOP, 50, INTERNAL MEDICINE DOCTOR
When did you start playing hockey?
I started off playing pond hockey when I was really young but officially got into it about 17 years ago. When I became the team doctor for the Fredonia State varsity hockey team, they kind of recruited me into the sport. From there, it just kind of took off and I've been playing and coaching ever since.
What leagues do you currently play in?
Right now I play in the Jamestown summer league, a pick-up league in Fredonia and I still coach the varsity hockey team.
Do you have a favorite memory related to the Buffalo Sabres?
My favorite Sabres memory was watching them run for the Stanley Cup. They got so far that season, it was awesome to watch.
Do you have a favorite memory of playing in previous Sabres Alumni Games?
I played in an alumni game in 2007 for the Northern Chautauqua County Community Foundation. That was a tremendous experience. I got the chance to play against guys I watched on TV for years. We weren't much competition and we are definitely out of our league, but we had a great time. There were some locker room shenanigans with Rob Ray that I'll never forget. I'm excited to play in this year's game because it's for Hospice. They are a great organization and do a great job for many families throughout the county, and I hope this helps them in every way it can.
DAVID BIRD, 38, REAL ESTATE BROKER
When did you start playing hockey?
I've been playing for about 33 years and like a lot of people, I started playing on ponds.
What leagues do you currently play in?
I am playing in the Fredonia and Jamestown men's adult leagues.
Do you have a favorite memory related to the Buffalo Sabres?
I was at the game when Clint Malarchuk got his throat slit with a skate. That was crazy because he just hit the ice, then you saw all that blood. The medics got to him quickly though, which was a good thing. Then I was at a game when a guy fell off the upper deck. My dad and uncle had center ice seats when I was growing up, so I went to a lot of Sabres games with them.
Do you have a favorite memory of playing in previous Sabres Alumni Games?
I've never played in an alumni game but I'm looking forward to it. Any of the former Sabres would be a lot of fun to play with, especially since I grew up watching them. For the Hospice event, my whole family will be involved. I'm playing in the alumni game, my wife runs the clock and she is the team mom for my kids' team. I also coach the Chautauqua County Youth Hockey Association's Mite house team, which my son and daughter play on. For us, this is a family thing and for the Hospice event, we are all playing our part.
TEAM HOSPICE ROSTER
Coaches Dennis Canfield and George Watkins
Shaun Fadale, Mike Nelson, Dr. James Cirbus, Brian Wojcinski, Dr. G. Jay Bishop, Dr. Peter Walters, Paul Nelson, Zach Kane, Ray Deland, Craig Hinderleider, David Foley, Drew Yelich, Josh Croxton, Tyler Nelson, Rhoe Henderson, Tom McFall
