Post Classifieds
Arena hosts Sabres Alumni charity game
By Kyle Bukolt
On April 7, 2012
The Buffalo Sabres Alumni may have defeated a charity team sponsored by Daddio's
Pizza 8-4 Sunday at the Buffalo State Ice Arena, but neither side had hard feelings
during or after the game.
The event presented an extremely jovial atmosphere as families, students and fans
gathered inside the Ice Arena to watch the teams square off in the charitable cause.
Proceeds raised were sent to Paradise House, a home for women that have
recently gotten out of prison. Paradise House puts the women in a family-oriented
environment that provides support to residents and allows them to work towards
building a more stable future.
The Executive Director from Paradise House, the Rev. Anne Paris, explained that it
was nice to try something new for a fundraiser.
"We're doing something completely different from anything we typically do," Paris
said. "What we usually do at Paradise House is help women 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. We help women who are homeless because they've just come out of jail or
prison and don't have any place to go.
"We give them an option other than getting back with the company that may have
helped lead them to being arrested," Paris continued. "We're usually working on
offering them a new way of life. Most of them have not been to hockey games so
they're seeing something new."
The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association was founded in 1988 and is an organization
comprised of former members of the Sabres. Former players and coaches focus on
giving back to the community that they were a part of during their active years.
"The more that we can get in the community, the better off it is," Director of Player
Relations for Sabres Alumni Scott McManigle said. "We can actually give back. (Fans)
remember faces from when the guys played, and this is just a great way, especially
through the autograph line, to thank people for supporting what we've done for
(with) them."
Former players Andrew Peters and Rob Ray explained that alumni events provide a
forum for players to get back out in the community and have fun while thanking the
fans for all of their support during their careers.
"It's loosey-goosey," Peters said. "The guys come out and we love playing in
these games. A lot of guys stay in the area and it's important that we stay in the
community. The guys that have played here over the years will never forget the
support that the fans gave."
Ray agreed with Peters.
"It gives the guys an opportunity to get out and continue to give back even though
they're finished playing," Ray said. "You can make a huge difference, and over the
years they've helped raise a ton of money to help give back to the community."
Daddio's goaltender John Boutet and player Mark Evanco, even though they knew
they were outmatched by the former Sabres, said facing players that they once
looked up to was an incredible experience and a great way to help out Paradise
House."You're star struck, because I grew up watching these kids, when they were
kids," Boutet said. "Now they're older but it's just so hard because they're still so
good.
"It's a great organization and what they do is very important," Boutet
continued. "Any money that we can generate from this is well worth it. Obviously,
we're very happy to help out."
Evanco echoed Boutet's sentiments that the former Sabres could still play.
"Their hockey skills are amazing and they always know where to go," Evanco
said. "There always seems to be an open guy and they always find him."
Paris explained that the voluntary giving of help to those in need is an extremely
enriching experience for both those giving the help and those in need of it.
"If you get involved in some sort of charity, make it one that you're really interested
in and you'll enjoy the time you give," Paris said. "It shouldn't seem like a chore."
Daddio's owner Jim "Daddio" Robinson described that getting involved with
Paradise House and the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Association was a no-brainer.
"I've been a Sabres' fan since I was two years old," Robinson said. "My dad has been
a season ticket holder since the Bisons and I used to go to all the games with him.
"I'm honored to be here among the Sabres Alumni to help raise money for such a
good cause [Paradise House]. Thank you to Buffalo State College for letting us use
the facilities."
Kyle Bukolt can be reached by email at bukolt.record@live.com.
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