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THE 2006 CANADIAN HOCKEY FOUNDATION CELEBRITY CLASSIC: A TRIPLE
CELEBRATION OF CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR HOCKEY SUCCESS
On July 10th and 11th, the Canadian Hockey Foundation held their third Annual Celebrity Classic Gala
Fundraiser and Golf Tournament in Toronto. At the Gala, it was a night to remember with Canada’s three gold
medal teams receiving their championship rings and the unveiling of the Clarkson Cup.
2006 Women’s Olympic Champions display their rings
With over 700 people in attendance, the Gala was hosted by TSN’s Gord Miller at the Westin Harbour Castle
Hotel and was broadcast nationally by TSN Sport Centre. A highlight of the festivities was the ring
presentation made to Canada’s championship teams. Gord Miller remarked, “There are three teams here tonight
who brought distinction to themselves and to their country by winning either Olympic or World Championships.
And for the first time, Canada has three such teams in one single year and we’re here to honour them here
tonight.” The guests of honour were:
• 2006 IIHF World Junior Champions
• 2006 Women’s Olympic Champions
• 2006 Sledge Hockey Paralympic Champions
Along with the golden celebration in recognition of Canada’s international achievements in amateur hockey,
the Gala evening event was chosen as the inaugural presentation of the Clarkson Cup. Prior to the ring
presentation to the 2006 Women’s Olympic Champions, Hockey Canada President Bob Nicholson introduced the
Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson to unveil her trophy, the Clarkson Cup, which will serve as a challenge
cup for women’s hockey. Madame Clarkson commented that “…women’s hockey can only increase and I hope to see
this very soon as a challenge cup for leagues. All I’m interested in is excellence in women’s hockey. I think
it’s our national game and what we love. And we should continue with it knowing that boys and girls can
become great hockey players.” She unveiled and presented the Clarkson Cup to Cassie Campbell, captain of the
2006 Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Team. Accepting the trophy Cassie Campbell said, “This truly is an
honour to accept this and also I think that from now on, you’re going to hear little girls in the street
saying ‘one day I’m going to win the Clarkson Cup’ and that’s a great thing, so thank you very much.”
As well as celebrating Canada’s success at world competitive levels, the evening also raised funds for the
Foundation’s endowment program to provide a legacy of programs to keep Canada at the top of competitive
amateur hockey. Fundraising at the event exceeded $260,000, a 25% increase over 2005. To-date, the three-year
fundraising total exceeds $800,000.
The following day, the Foundation held its annual Golf Tournament at the Club on Bond Head whose South Course
was voted as one of Canada’s top three new courses in 2006 by Golf Digest, and voted best new course in 2005
by Travel & Leisure. Rain had fallen the day preceding the tournament, but the sun came out in full force
and golfers enjoyed a warm and sunny day at the links. Each of the 48 teams was captained by a member from
one of Canada’s championship teams, including Cassie Campbell, Justin Pogge, and Paul Rosen. The teams
enjoyed a fun day of fast-paced round golf and an opportunity to get to know one of Canada’s premier
athletes.
The Foundation thanks the Organizing Committee Chair, Tom Bitove, and Honorary Chairs, John McDermott and
David Ippolito. Their hard work and leadership helped make the event very memorable. The Foundation would
also like to recognize and thank the event sponsors whose support made the gathering of Canada’s hockey
family possible and supported the Foundation.
TOURNAMENT SPONSORS
The Canadian Hockey Foundation would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors for the 2006 Celebrity
Classic Gala Fundraiser and Gold Tournament. Many are returning sponsors and we appreciate your continuing
support, and we welcome our new sponsors. The Celebrity Classic would not have been successful without your
valued support.
Platinum Sponsors:
BFL Canada
Boston Pizza
Gold Sponsors:
Air Canada
Nike Bauer
The Club at Bond Head
Chevrolet
McDonald’s
Molson Canadian
Queen Victoria
Royal Bank of Canada
Telus
Silver Sponsors :
AMJ Campbell Van Lines
Esso
Nestle
Pepsi
Priszm
The Westin Harbour Castle
TSN
» 2006 Photo
Gallery
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