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On Sunday, November 18th, members of the Boston Bruins alumni hockey team strapped on their skates in a goodwill challenge game against 23 hockey All-Stars representing the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough. Sports greats including Bob Sweeney, Rick Middleton, Billy O'Dwyer, Don Marcotte, Bob Beers, Gary Doak, John Carter, Kenny Hodge, Bob Miller and Andy Brickley, played a two-period game against the MDSC All-Stars which this year included 22-year-old Matthew Shea, a young man with Down syndrome who has played hockey for 10 years. This was the 3rd time the MDSC All-Stars challenged Bruins alumni in an exhibition game in support of Down syndrome awareness.
To kick-off the event, the crowd of over 1,000 supporters were invited to ‘free skate' with former Bruins players and MDSC All-Stars to enjoy this pre-holiday festivity. During the opening ceremony, self-advocates Kate Bartlett, Melissa Reilly, Tiffany Moore, Katie Meyer, Patrick Myshrall and Chuck Maranian sang the national anthem and 7 year-old Danny Campagna ceremonially dropped the first puck to officially begin the hockey game.
MDSC Board President, Charlie Gadbois, recognized the tremendous efforts of the MDSC All-Star Team and sponsors that helped raise over $80,000 to support the MDSC. He also presented Boston Bruins Alumni President, Bob Sweeney, with an award in recognition for his outstanding support of MDSC for many years. Bob said "This is by far our best game, and most important to play in."
Bob Sweeney along with MDSC Executive Director, Maureen Gallagher, presented Charlie Gadbois with a Boston Bruins hockey shirt autographed by the entire Boston Bruins Alumni Team in recognition for his leadership and dedication in organizing the hockey game.
Thank you to all the fans who came to support the event, the MDSC All-Star Team, the Boston Bruins Alumni, and the many sponsors and donors who made this event such a success!
To make a donation to the hockey game Click here!
View additional photos of the hockey game here!
Special Thanks to:
Our MDSC All-Star Team Members!
Bill Beckman, Rich Bedard, Joey Campagna, Brendan Casey, Paul Drepanos, Patrick Foley, Charlie Gadbois, Bill Giles Jr., John Gobron, Peter Hadden, Jamie Hintlian, Shawn Hogan, Kevin J. Kelleher, David Kelleher, Jake Kelleher, Robert Lucier, Craig Ludwig, Rob Maloney, Rick and Susan McLeod, Elaine McNealy, Kevin Morrison, Matthew Shea, and Jamie Shepard.
Our Hockey Game Sponsors!
The Davis Family Foundation, Fine Finish, Inc., Anisia Gifford Interiors, Edwardsen Painting, Inc., International Computerware Solutions, Inc., Leone Landscape Contractors Corp., Robert D. McCart Construction Company, R.W. Holmes Realty, Architectural Elements, Inc., Fitzgerald & Sons Masonry, Inc., Pioneer Solutions, Inc., Wilson Brothers HVAC, Inc., Follansbee & McLeod, R.S. Lamson & Sons, Inc.
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