Fundraiser pairs young hockey athletes with favourite local hockey heroes

Sometimes it pays to make small talk.

PRO Kids co-ordinator Laura Daniele was doing just that a few summers ago with NHL defenceman Robert Bortuzzo, who through the Pittsburgh Penguins, was making a $5,000 donation to the organizations, which helps provide subsidized spots in sports and recreation activities for children in need.

Bortuzzo asked Daniele what they were doing for PRO kids that summer.

The question stumped her, but has since led to the creation of Training with a Pro, a fundraiser that will allow young athletes to train for a night alongside of their favourite local hockey heroes, including Bortuzzo, who now skates with the St. Louis Blues.

Also lending the skills to the program are defenceman Marc Staal of the New York Rangers, his younger brother Jordan of the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators goalie Carter Hutton and two-time Olympic gold medallist Haley Irwin.

Hutton’s father Jack, who represented the NHLers at Wednesday’s media conference launching the first-time event, said it’s important to keep kids active and stressed the importance of playing team sports.

“I think in any team sport you learn social skills because things don’t always go your way,” said Hutton, whose son’s team fell in six games to Chicago in the opening round of the NHL playoffs.

“It keeps you busy and busy kids are not in trouble. I know I had too much time on my hands when I was younger.”

The players will work out with camp participants, spending a couple of hours doing dry-land training and also getting to know the youngsters at the same time.

“It gives local youth access to one of the city’s most valuable assets, professional hockey players,” Daniele said.

Each of the five evening clinics will feature one of the celebrity skaters, as well as an up-and-coming player at the NCAA or major junior levels.

Daniele said she hopes the clinics, which cost $50, will help raise $7,000.

“This event will be a great way for young kids to connect with some local professional athletes. It will be a rewarding experience to take part of,” Carter Hutton said in a release.

Irwin is equally excited.

“I strongly believe that being involved in recreational sports can help a child’s development in so many different ways,” Irwin said. “Our youth deserve equal opportunities and PRO Kids helps provide those who need it with a chance to play and grow.”

Registration begins on May 6. Phone 625-2351 to sign up.