OUR SIGNATURE FUNDRAISING EVENT

The Gordie Howe CARES Pro-Am is three action-packed days where local weekend-warriors come together with NHL Alumni in a friendly battle of bragging rights, all in the name of a great cause.

THE LUNCHEON

In traditional Pro-Am fashion, our weekend kicked off Friday on the Stampede Grounds in Calgary with our Luncheon and Hot Stove.

Upon entering this amazing event space, backdropped by the picturesque Rocky Mountains, it was impossible not to feel the energy. While emblazoned with a different “sea of red” than we typically celebrate in Calgary, this moment felt just as special.

Surrounding the perimeter, on proud display were player jerseys featuring the perfect mix of NHL Alumni and custom Pro-Am tournament team designs.

While hockey is at the heart of the ‘how’, this weekend is really about the ‘why’, and it showed up as strong as ever.

The ‘why’ is the support of the caregivers of those living with Alzheimers and other dementias so that they can be a better support themselves. At this year’s luncheon, the room heard the real stories of experience, the profiles of heroes that show up to support, and the undeniable reasons why that support is so vital. But it needs our help, and this weekend, in this room, that help was felt.

Hockey is family, and it continues long after the third period buzzer.

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While there were some name changes in the Gordie Howe CARES roster this year, the effort continues to shine. Brad Lohman steps into the role as new Board Chair, while Jay Haralson stays on as Event Chair.

No stranger to the Pro-Am or our hockey memories, Glenn Healy, Executive Director of the NHL Alumni Association took to the stage to reinforce their support.

As in previous years, long time supporter Chris Carlsen of Birchcliff Energy Ltd. took to the stage to present the traditional ‘Red Jacket’ to Mark MacEachern who continues to show commitment above and beyond to the event and it's fundraising initiatives.

Presenting Sponsor, Scotia Wealth Management spoke to their ongoing commitment to our cause.

From on the ice to in the community, it’s humbling to see what’s possible when people come together as a team.

See all the candids from our Pro-Am Luncheon event.

Luncheon Gallery

This year’s event profiled 100 Years of the Detroit Red Wings. With emcee Scott Oake at the helm, Hot Stove guests Mark Howe and Mike Vernon took to the stage in person, with Chris Chelios joining on the big screen.

While Chris was missed in person, the conversation never waned. Scott moderated a line up of amazing stories from three of the most recognizable names in the game.

From some of the toughest games on the ice, to the proudest moments off the ice, with reflections and memories of Gordie weaved throughout, one thing remains clear — hockey is family, and it continues long after the third period buzzer.

$1.8 Million!

$1.8 Million! $1.8 Million!

This year’s Pro-Am raised

Learn more about the impact this is having on our initiatives, programs, and support for caregivers. Download the Gordie Howe CARES Impact Report.

Read The Report

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FROM THE DRAFT TO THE ICE

Following our Luncheon event, the weekend is just getting started! From there, participants, sponsors, NHL Alumni, and invited guests take in an afternoon of catching up with old teammates and trading memories.

At Friday evening’s Draft Night, teams come together for their pick of the NHL Alumni player that will join their team for a winning weekend of tournament hockey. With top picks going to those who raised the most, it’s the competition before the competition.

With teams decided, everyone heads to the rink at Flames Community Arenas for two days of non-stop, on-ice action. Where weekend-warriors came together with more than two dozen NHL Alumni in a friendly battle of snap shots, dekes, and bragging rights, all in the name of a great cause.

From that first puck drop to the stories in the dressing room, it’s easy to see why each and every player arrives with a smile and leaves with something deeper — it’s not only an opportunity to care, it’s knowing that every effort is truly making a difference. It’s #whyweplay.

Check out some of the weekend game action below!

Or, if you’re looking for a specific team action photo, see the entire tournament gallery at the link.

View Gallery

Our event sponsors

It takes an entire team to win, and we couldn’t continue to do this every year without the partners and sponsors that step up and contribute without hesitation.