2nd Annual Alumni & Celebrity Hockey Weekend

Diabetic Life Foundation's Annual Hockey Alumni Weekend was held on March 30, 31 and April 1, 2007. The event started out with a VIP Dinner on Friday Night (March 30) at the Orleans Hotel & Casino Ballroom, Silent and Live Auctions, Guest Speakers, and Great Food!

Bob Fisher, CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association was the emcee for the evening. Nobody has done more for the diabetes cause than Bob and we can't thank him enough for taking the time to emcee the evening.

Actor, Alan Thicke who played on the West Alumni Team, spoke on his experience with diabetes. One of Alan's son's has diabetes and Alan started a diabetes research organization in Canada. Alan was escorted by his beautiful wife, Tanya.

Mark Pfister, Las Vegas' favorite morning weather personality spoke and had everyone in stiches. Mark was the Coach of the East Alumni and we would not have had it any other way. Mark was joined behind the bench for the game by Channel 13 Morning Anchor, Ron Futrell. Coach's Pfister and Futrell were the winning coaches. Reporter Ben Deci also from Channel 13, played in the game for the winning coaches.

Mark Pfister gave the Foundation and the game some great publicity for a solid week and he even wore his jersey on TV while doing so. Mike Tsolinas, Channel 13 Meteorologist, was at the Orleans Arena and on the ice at 5am with Diabetic Life CEO, Bob Maxwell to promote the game. The two had a great time even though Mike got the better of Maxwell by pulling his jersey over his head, but they made up on camera. Not something you see in hockey fights... unless they are staged... haha. Mike has a very good hockey background himself and can still skate and handle the puck with ease. Next year we are going to get Mike in the game, just don't tell him yet.

The Hanson Brothers from the movie "Slap Shot" were on hand and brought the crowd to their feet when they took the stage. Steve Carlson, Jeff Carlson and Dave Hanson are absolutely fantastic and helped in a big way when they auctioned off one of their official "Chiefs" hockey jerseys which they autographed. For more information on the Hanson Brothers, CLICK HERE.

Clint Malarchuk, former NHL'er and Las Vegas Thunder Goalie, is still very popular in this town. Clint took the stage to run the Live Auction to the delight of everyone in attendance. Clint knows how to reach people and had a lot of fun with his teammates... at their expense of course.

On Saturday (March 31) the skaters took to the ice at the Orleans Arena. Although the crowd was not what was expected, the game was absolutely fantastic. The Hanson Brothers were up to their antics of slamming bodies, stealing the puck and trying to get the West Team to fight, but they were chased to the penalty box by Lance Maxwell who later teamed up with them and scored a goal.

Rod Buskas, an Alumni of the Penguins, Blackhawks and L.A. Kings, put the teams together by calling on his friends. What a great group he put together with such names as Bob Bourne, Marty McSorley, Steve Larmer, Ian Turnbull, Murray Craven and many more. Marty's brother, Chris McSorley flew in from Geneva, Switzerland just for the event, now that's support! You will not find a greater group of guys with a heart to match. We are very greatful to Rod for all of his hard work and dedication.

The fans were also treated to the American National Anthem by 12 year old Ellie Smith. Ellie sang one of the best renditions of the Anthem that you will hear... what a voice. John Bruce of Scenic Airlines sang the Canadian National Anthem and also did it proud. This was John's second year with the event. We thank both of our singers for a job extra specially well done.

This years game was sponsored by the Las Vegas Wranglers Hockey Team. It was a tough task to play the NHL Alumni before the Wranglers game, but we all thought it would be a good mix for the true hockey fans. The Wranglers played commercials for the event during their games and there was certainly no shortage of marketing throughout the arena, but the saying "build it and they will come" will be changed next year to "schedule it for a night by itself so hockey fans don't have to pick which game they want to see". Our thanks to Wrangler President, Billy Johnson and VP, Michael Delay for your help, understanding and support.

The Orleans Arena staff of Darren Davis, Bill Purcell, Jimmy Humm, Sue Schwartz, Rob Espisito, the video production crew and well... the entire staff was very helpful and really wanted us to have a successful event. Of course we thank the "Big Guy" at the Arena, Steve Stallworth for putting together such a great team and believing in the efforts of Diabetic Life. Thanks guys, you are Fantastic!

Millian from the Blue Line Hockey Talk Radio Show on All Talk Radio.net, provided the play-by-play of the game and some great behind the scenes interviews with the players. We will be putting together a DVD of the game complete with the play-by play... so stay tuned. To see a FANTASTIC Hockey site and listen to Millian's shows, CLICK HERE.

Day three of the weekend put the players and invited guests on the golf course at Stallion Mountain. Brian Dyke, Sales Manager for Walters Golf made it all happen us. Brian is a big supporter of the Diabetic Life Foundation and showed it once again with an outstanding outing on a fantastic course. The entire staff at Stallion Mountain were great and we thank them and the Walters golf family for another job very well done!

Even though the Diabetic Life Organization did not meet their goal to fund the Mobile Outreach Unit, it was an impactful event that brought a lot of awareness to the efforts of the Organization. We are sincerely thankful to ALL of the players for taking the time to help make a positive difference in the lives of people living with diabetes.  Thanks guys, you are the Best!