WESTFIELD – Have you ever dreamed of playing alongside former Bruins’ greats, or how about against them? Well now your dreams can come true.
For the first time in the event’s history, one lucky bidder will get the opportunity to skate against some of the all-time memorable hockey players from the Boston Bruins when Westfield Fire Department Union 1111 renews its friendly competition in the annual Black & Gold Legends charity ice hockey game Sun., March 13 at Amelia Park Ice Arena.
“Who wouldn’t want to have some fun and play alongside some of these legends like Andy Brickley, Bob Beers, or Reggie Lemelin?” said Ray Neilsen, Westfield firefighter and event co-ordinator. “You can have a couple of passes and see if you can score a goal.”
Westfield Fire Department’s P.J. Hoynowski, rear, moves in on Black & Gold Legends’ Scott Young during the charity ice hockey event at Amelia Park Ice Arena in 2013. (Staff Photo)
Neilsen announced late Thursday that the final roster spot will be determined by an auction process through blind bidding. Anyone age 18-or-older interested in participating is urged to e-mail the Union 1111 with their name, address, phone number, and bid amount. The minimum bid is $99. Bids will be accepted until Thurs., March 10. The person with the highest bid made during the blind-bidding process will be deemed the winner. E-mail bids to [email protected].
The event is held annually to help raise money for the Local 1111, which is comprised of local firefighters and EMTs. Funds raised through that event and others throughout the year, are in turn given back to the community in the form of local youth sports sponsorships, financial assistance to the Westfield High School band, and through other community-oriented events.
Previous Black & Gold Legends participants have featured former Bruins’ Brickley, Beers, and Lemelin, as well as Mike Bocuzzi, Quintin Brickley, Guy Larose, Steve Rooney, and others.
The puck will drop shortly after 4 p.m. on the day of the event.
There will also be an autograph session, raffles for sports memorabilia, food, drinks, and a hockey clinic for youth players prior to the game.
Anyone interested in signing up for the clinic or wishing to donate money to this event is encouraged to contact Ray Neilsen at the Westfield Fire Department at 562-2329.
