Hockey legends returning to Paradise

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Come this May, Legends of Hockey Pro-Am is set to grace the Paradise Double Ice Complex for the third time.
Council approved the group’s application last month for it to use the rink. The event will feature former NHL stars playing recreation hockey with local athletes, and will raise money for Wounded Warriors Canada. The group offers mental health services to injured and trauma-exposed members and former members of the Canadian Forces, first responders and their families.
Councillor Larry Vaters said the event will take place at the end of the complex’s regular season, and the impact on other programming will be minimal.
Event organizer Legacy Sports Inc., will be granted a $100 deduction on the complex’s hourly fees for rentals, resulting in a total of $125 per hour. The usual 70/30 box office split will also be waived.
Councillor Patrick Martin said he is looking forward to the lineup, to which Mayor Dan Bobbett could not resist a quip about both Martin’s and Vaters’ Montreal Canadiens fandom.
Paradise was last host to the event in 2018, which was then partnered with Easter Seals, a non-profit that offers programs and services to people, especially children, with disabilities. That year’s roster included Ray Bourque, Chris Nilan, John LeClair, Chris Kostopolous and Ron Duguay, among others.