Hundreds Turn Out for 4th Annual NHL Alumni vs Essex OPP Special Olympics Fundraiser

January 31, 2026 admin
Hundreds Turn Out for 4th Annual NHL Alumni vs Essex OPP Special Olympics Fundraiser Photo by Fred Groves, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter Fred Groves, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

By: Fred Groves, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

 

An appreciative and supportive crowd of hundreds were at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre in Lakeshore on Sunday, January 11 for the 4th Annual NHL Alumni versus Essex OPP.

 

It’s a fundraiser for Special Olympics and while many came to see former hockey greats, it was an opportunity to watch some extraordinary athletes including Brenna Williams, Gold Medalist figure skater at the 2025 World Games held in Italy.

 

“It’s all about the athletes. This is one of our fundraisers for Special Olympics, and we have fun with our officers and the NHL guys,” said organizer Constable Jim Chauvin. 

 

Williams performed during the intermission and, along with fellow Special Olympians Matt Cormier and Max Vigneux, took part in the opening ceremonial faceoff.

 

Once the puck was dropped, it did not take the NHL’ers’ including 65-year-old Mike Krushelinski long to dominate and take a quick 3-0 lead just a few minutes into the game. During his playing career he won three Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and another with the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant coach.

 

According to Chauvin, he tries to get local former NHL’ers to play and this year it included Blenheim’s Todd Warriner. He has a lengthy pro career that includes over 450 NHL games as well as coaching at the University of Windsor and now in Europe.

 

“There is an element of pride,” said the leftwinger about the game against the OPP. “Us old guys aren’t getting any younger. We want to put on a good show.”

 

This year’s Alumni team also included goalie Adam Munrro, Bryan Muir, Zenon Konopka, Theo Peckman, Keith Action, Rob Schremp, Kraig Nienhus and Dave McLlwain. Besides Krushelinski, the most celebrated player to suit up was Jordan Nolan.

 

The son of former NHL coach Ted Nolan, Jordan won Stanley Cups with the St. Louis Blues in 2012 and again in 2014. Like Warriner, he played part of his junior career with the Windsor Spitfires.

 

Referring this year’s game in Lakeshore and doing double duty as the on-ice play-by-play commentator was former player, turned official, Dave Hutchison.

 

“It’s the game we love. We grew up playing it. I’m 74 and this is the closest I am going to get to playing with these guys. I’m proud to be part of it,” said Hutchison who played 584 games in the NHL and nearly 100 in the World Hockey Association.

 

Essex OPP were trailing early in the game, however after the skills competition in which they did very well, they rallied from behind and made the game close.

 

“I am going to have to recruit some younger players next year. Our goalie is getting lit up like a Christmas tree,” joked Chauvin.

 

Constable Quinton Loop was playing in his second consecutive game against the NHLer’s and he was very complimentary when talking about the OPP’s opponent.

 

“They are phenomenal, they are so quick. Their puck handling skills are great and it’s tough to defend against them.”

 

He admitted that the local Law Enforcement All-Stars, who wore the local Lakeshore Canadiens jerseys, did not have a practice to prepare for the NHL Alumni.

 

“It’s a lot of fun and it’s for a good cause,” he said. “It was nice to see the Special Olympians on the ice.”

 

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