Fountain Tire Summer Classic Returns at Staal Foundation Open, presented by Tbaytel

Kids to Compete for Chance to Play with Celebrities in Epic Road Hockey Game

Now that most of the snow has melted, the countdown to summer is on. Today at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, representatives from both the Staal Foundation Open, presented by Tbaytel, and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation announced the return of the Fountain Tire Summer Classic to the lineup of events at this year’s Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada event.

Taking place on Monday, July 9, 2018, this epic road hockey game gives kids between the ages of 7-12 the chance to play alongside the Staal brothers, along with past and present NHL stars, hall-of-famers, Mackenzie Tour–PGA TOUR Canada players and TSN personalities.

As in past years, getting a spot to play on TeamStaal2018 in this event will take some hard work and skill. Starting right now, kids are invited to sign up for the fundraising contest for a chance to win their spot on the team. Sign up takes place at HealthSciencesFoundation.ca/TeamStaal.

Then, from Monday, May 14, 2018 to Monday, June 4, 2018 at 9 a.m., kids are challenged to fundraise as much as they can, with the top three fundraisers automatically guaranteed a spot on TeamStaal2018. The two remaining spots will be drawn by chance, with Fountain Tire giving away the final spot. All contestants have the opportunity to get one ballot for the draw with each $20 raised. Additionally, other tasks that are completed as part of the contest will provide further chances to get ballots (i.e. get 10 ballots for adding your reason why you’re fundraising to your online page). Unlike in past years, contestants do not need to submit a video to enter the contest, however, doing so will gain them extra ballots in the draw. All funds raised will go to the Northern Cancer Fund to give hope to patients and families fighting cancer in Northwestern Ontario.

Contestants are encouraged to be creative with their fundraising. Past TeamStaal players Thomas and Steven Stadey from Marathon, Ontario used a variety of tactics to raise funds including going door-to-door to ask for donations, setting up a yard sale, fundraising in the mall, selling Koolaid and shaving or cutting hair once they reached fundraising goals. The Stadeys said, “We had so much fun playing. It was cool to meet the Staals and so many of the other celebrities.” Altogether, in the past two years, the Stadeys raised a remarkable $18,537 as part of the fundraising contest.

Jared Staal, who played in the Summer Classic game the past two years, relished the chance to, once again, use a road hockey game to raise funds locally for cancer care. “Our family was really blown away by the commitment the contestants have had in fundraising to get a spot on the team,” he said. “This year we’re excited to welcome new teammates and have a ton of fun out at Whitewater while ensuring that families across Northwestern Ontario have access to exceptional cancer care services. Having your family by your side while undergoing treatment cannot be underestimated.”

Ken Boshcoff from the Staal Foundation Open, presented by Tbaytel said, “The Fountain Tire Summer Classic is one of the most anticipated events that takes place during tournament week and we’re delighted to kick things off with this epic road hockey game on the Monday. The celebrities who take part in this have a ball, and we’re excited to welcome back Head Coach Bobby Orr, who has a winning record for his team. The opportunity the TeamStaal players get to play with the Staals and the many other celebrities is once-in-a-lifetime and we encourage kids from Northwestern Ontario to step up and compete for their spot on this team. For any hockey aficionado, it doesn’t get any better than this.”

“I’ve witnessed the energy and excitement at this event the past two summers and it is like nothing I’ve ever experienced,” said Glenn Craig, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “The kids who are vying for a spot on the team really put everything they have into getting a spot – so from the moment they step foot on the grounds at Whitewater, they are given the VIP treatment, and deservedly so. We are so grateful for the enthusiasm that our region has shown to this event and the support people across Northwestern Ontario have given to these youngsters. With the money that is raised for the Northern Cancer Fund, we’re able to continue to offer closer-to-home cancer care across the Northwest. This means that equipment is funded both in Thunder Bay and at partner sites all over the Northwest. So no matter where you live, you can access cancer care that’s exceptional, while being supported by your family and friends.”

The Fountain Tire Summer Classic will be held following the opening ceremonies at the Staal Foundation Open, presented by Tbaytel, in a unique arena setting in the parking lot at Whitewater Golf Course. Thousands of spectators are expected to be on site for the pregame show, for autograph and photo opportunities and to see who will take home this year’s title – and importantly – if Head Coach Orr can make it a hat trick of wins.

ABOUT THE MACKENZIE TOUR-PGA TOUR CANADA: The Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada is a series of tournaments played across Canada each summer, where tomorrow’s stars begin the path to the PGA TOUR. The leading five money winners at the end of each season earn status on the Web.com Tour for the following season. The Mackenzie Tour’s mission is to deliver a PGA TOUR experience for our members, fans, volunteers and our partners in order to develop the future stars of professional golf & enrich the communities we visit.
Twitter: Mackenzie Tour – @PGATOURCanada
Facebook: Facebook.com/MackenzieTour
MACKENZIE TOUR – PGA TOUR CANADA, STAAL FOUNDATION OPEN PRESENTED BY TBAYTEL | STAALOPEN.CA
ABOUT THE NORTHERN CANCER FUND:The Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is proud to raise funds that 100% dedicated to providing exceptional cancer care for residents of Northwestern Ontario to diagnose, treat and research cancer. More information about the impact of gifts can be found on the Health Sciences Foundation’s website at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca