Oswego, NY – The 2011 Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation Golf & Hockey Classic once again will be held in Oswego on July 22-25 highlighted by NHL star and Oswego native Erik Cole, along with other NHL players participating in an NHL Player Exhibition, a Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit and the musical group, The Zambonis, performing live, as well as the annual 3-on-3 Youth Hockey Classic and golf event.
New to this year’s event will be an NHL Player Exhibition scheduled for Saturday evening at the Campus Center Ice Arena, as Cole and other visiting NHL players including current and former Carolina Hurricanes teammates Joe Corvo, Justin Peters, and Andrew Hutchinson, as well as Fulton-native Robbie Schremp will showcase their talents for the community, while the popular hockey-themed musical group, The Zambonis, perform live.
Also new this year will be the Hockey Hall of Fame’s traveling exhibit. Direct from Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit will be on display at the SUNY Oswego Campus Center on Saturday, July 23 from 9:00 a.m. and continuing up until the NHL Player Exhibition.
The weekend will face off with the traditional 3-on-3 Youth Hockey Classic, beginning on Friday, July 22 and skating through Sunday, July 24 at the Campus Center Ice Arena at SUNY Oswego. The Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation Golf Classic will tee off on Monday, July 25 at the Oswego Country Club.
“I am so proud of the progress we have made with the Dream Big Foundation, and how our annual weekend outing continues to broaden with activity,” said Cole. “The introduction of the NHL Player Exhibition, Hockey Hall of Fame Exhibit, and the music of The Zambonis, will be great additions this year. Last year’s golf and hockey classic was a tremendous success. The incredible support for our organization and its mission from the Oswego and Central New York communities, as well as all of our generous sponsors including Pathfinder Bank and Bauer, continue to help grow the weekend and make it a huge success each and every year.” The 2006 Stanley Cup champion and U.S. Olympian and his wife, Emily, established the Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation in 2007. The non-profit organization was created to support youth hockey programs, as well as children who are suffering from cancer and other diseases.
NHL PLAYER EXHIBITION
The Campus Center Ice Arena will take center stage on Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m., as Cole takes the ice with many of his NHL friends and teammates to show off their unique talents during an exhibition game. Several more players along with Corvo, Peters, Hutchinson and Schremp are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
HOCKEY HALL OF FAME EXHIBITION
The Hockey Hall of Fame Exhibit will provide spectators with an interactive and informative showcase of “all things hockey” on Saturday. Exhibits from Toronto will be showcased in this unique opportunity for hockey fans of all ages. Included in the exhibit will be two trophies on permanent display at the Hall of Fame, a large selection of memorabilia, and interactive games for young and old. Admission is a donation of $5.00 per person for adults. Children are free. Additionally, the admission price includes the NHL Player Exhibition game and The Zambonis concert, as well as a chance to win a game worn 2011 Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation NHL Player Autographed Jersey.
THE ZAMBONIS IN CONCERT
Also adding to the festivities on Saturday evening, the popular hockey-themed musical group, The Zambonis, will perform at the Campus Center during the NHL Player Exhibition. They will perform hockey favorites including “I Want to Drive the Zamboni” and “Hockey Monkey.” Led by front man Dave Schneider, The Zambonis are no strangers to Oswego as they performed during the 2008 Harborfest and will add the perfect soundtrack for the evening event.
YOUTH HOCKEY CLASSIC
The 3-on-3 Youth Hockey Classic will once again show off the skills of youth hockey players from across Central New York and beyond as Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam divisions will be offered. The USA Hockey sanctioned event will have each team play four games during the weekend with the puck being dropped for the first round on Friday evening, July 22. Included once again this year will be four sled (sledge) hockey teams returning for the 3-on-3 Youth Hockey Classic.
“The hockey competition has been everything we’ve hoped it would be when we introduced it a few years back,” said Cole. “The sledge division continues to showcase an amazing pool of talent, and allows these dedicated athletes a venue to also exhibit their skills and love for the game.”
Sledge hockey, commonly known as sled hockey in the United States, was invented in the early 1960s in Stockholm, Sweden at a rehabilitation center. The sport was designed to allow participants who have a physical disability to play ice hockey and it has grown to be one of the most popular sports in Paralympic Games.
Registration information is available online at www.ecdreambig.com. All participants will receive team jerseys and the games are free for all spectators to enjoy.
GOLF CLASSIC
According to Event Organizer Kevin Caraccioli, Pathfinder Bank once again will sponsor this year’s golf tournament. Cole, and numerous other players and celebrities will be on hand again this year.
“As always, I look forward to some friendly competition on the golf course again this year, and having it all capped off with the cocktail party, dinner and auctions afterwards,” said Cole. “Obviously, none of this could be done without all the volunteers and everyone who comes out to participate and support a great cause. I am sincerely thankful to all.”
The golf event will be a four-person captain-n-crew format. Corporate teams will receive 18 holes of golf at the Oswego Country Club, golf cart, lunch, cocktail party, dinner, tee and green signage and a gift bag. Individual fees include everything but the tee and green signage. Tickets for the cocktail party and dinner can be purchased separately for $50 per person.
Pathfinder Bank, Bauer, the Carolina Hurricanes organization, the NHL, NHLPA, and other local supporters have provided for a variety of on-course activities, as in previous years.
A light breakfast and coffee for the hockey and golf events will be served, as well as lunch at the turn during the golf tournament.
For more information, contact the Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation at (315) 887-0256, visit www.ecdreambig.com, the Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation Facebook page, or email [email protected].
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