Celebrity Charity Hockey Games: March 27, 1999To see my video of the game, go to the bottom of the page.
This most recent game was hosted by Chad Everett (Medical Center), who is Chairman of the Skate for Life foundation; and Bobby Nystrom, New York Islanders alumnus. Nystrom and other Islander's alumni teamed up with actors Dave Coulier, Chris Potter, Matthew Perry, John Bennett Perry, Mark Saunders and Steve Levy to play for charity.
The game was interesting. The matchups were the celebs and the Islanders alumni (wearing Islanders jerseys) vs. local hockey players, including some kids (in Skate for Life uniforms).
Before the game, they had a presentation on the ice. Chat Everett did the honors. He handed out plaques to Chris, Matt, John B Perry and Dave.
Skate for Life is an organization that donates money for children with heart problems who can't afford surgery. Apparently some of the actors were sponsors for a few children to get the surgery they needed. Chad introduced each child, then he announced who the child's sponsor was. Chris Potter, Matthew Perry and John Bennett Perry had sponsored a child each and came up to greet them as they were escorted onto the ice.
Now on to the game.
Chris Potter played great. He was on the ice for short spurts, but he was on often. He moved with his usual swiftness and finess. At one point during first period, he was trying to get a handle of the puck when he found himself spinning in circles to the ice. He must have done 3 revolutions ending up on one knee. The announcer commended him on doing a perfect 9.9 move Laughing, Chris got to his feet and bowed to the officials.
After the game was the cocktail party. Chris Potter showed up roughly an hour after it started and was immediately swarmed for the rest of the night. He was kind, patient and very attentive to everyone.
John Bennett Perry was really nice (remember 240-Robert?). I was wearing a homemade sweatshirt with the Celebrity team logo on it and he gaped at it. "Where did you get that?!" he said with a smile.
"I made it," I replied.
"Wow! That's our old team logo! That's great!"
I got autographs and pictures with him and Bobby Nystrom. I also got some pucks signed. Dave Coulier signed my Celebrity puck (from the Philadelphia game), and Bobby Nystrom signed my Islanders puck.
They had a live auction at the event. Among the items were autographed jerseys, pucks and other miscellaneous items autographed by celebrities and hockey stars from all over the country. Many of whom weren't at the game. Gretzsky and Federov were just two of many hockey stars who donated items, while Rosie O'Donnell and celebrities donated autographed pieces as well. Billy Joel donated an autographed guitar to the event, which ended up getting some really high bids.
Once again it was a fun time, and I recommend attending an event like this any time you have a chance.
New! Watch my video footage from the game!