(Mr. Walter Gretzky Meets Father Pat)

Remember this previously posted gallery? Father Pat is number 16 and I believe at times number 4 in this game. Hockey legend, Scott Reeves is between the pipes for the Guns and Hoses. Need I say more? A late addition to the team was the acquiring of Ron 'Tiger" Williams who no doubt left an impression on Coach Gretzky as Williams played a strong game setting up some key plays.

On February 11th, 2006 a benefit hockey game was held at Centre 200 in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The game featured the Flying Fathers a team of Catholic priests, against the local police / firefighters hockey team appropriately named "Guns & Hoses". The game was a fun time for the players, the audience and I'm sure for Mr. Walter Gretzky who was on hand to coach the Flying Fathers team. Mr. Gretzky's easy manner allowed for many people, young and old to spend time conversing with him and receiving an autograph or posing for a photo.
A dinner was held the previous evening to kick-off the event here in Sydney. This event was held as part of the Canadian Council of the Blind’s White Cane Week tour.

Since 1962 the Flying Fathers have played more than 1,000 games in Canada, the United States and Europe and raised more than $8 million for Canadian charities. Proceeds from the Flying Fathers Tour 2006 support the programs and initiatives of the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Divisions of the Canadian Council of the Blind, the voice of blind and visually impaired Canadians.

Click on a picture to enlarge it.
Tony