NHL legends gathered at Kirby Schlegel’s home on eve of Pros-vs-Prospects game 

A group of nearly two-dozen hockey greats gathered at Kirby Schelgels’ W Dallas residence for a reception on the eve of the 4th Annual Pros–vs-Prospects Charity Classic, which was held at the Dr Pepper Star Center in Frisco March 21. 

Pros vs. Prospects is a unique hockey game matching NHL alumni against future NHL prospects. The Texas Tornado team faced hockey legends Greg “Gus” Adams, Bob Bassen, Hall-of-Famer Neal Broten, Kelly Chase, Ulf Dahlen, Steve Duchesne, Nelson Emerson, Corey Hirsch, Benoit Hogue, Bill Huard, Brett Hull, Jim Johnson, Mark Lamb, Craig Ludwig, Al Secord, Pat Verbeek and Rick Zombo. Dallas Stars coach Dave Tippett acted as the Pros head coach. 

“We originally conceived this fun event during the NHL lockout,” said Kirby Schlegel, founder of Schlegel Sports, which owns the Texas Tornado. “It’s a winning proposition for everyone involved. Fans got to see some of hockey’s greatest players skate together in a sort of ad-hoc all-star game. The Texas Tornado had the opportunity to go head-to-head with some of their idols. And it raises money and awareness for a good cause.”

The Pros vs. Prospects game benefited the Frisco Education Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Collin County. The Pros beat the Prospects 13-to-7. 

Founded in 1999, the North American Hockey League Texas Tornado is a Junior 'A' level ice hockey team, which is a typical, transitional step in a hockey players development towards NCAA Division I college programs and the National Hockey League. In 2007, the Texas Tornado began their fifth season in Frisco, Texas, (ninth overall) after playing four seasons in North Richland Hills, Texas from 1999-2003. More information at www.tornadohockey.com.

Schlegel Sports specializes in sports team ownership and management, including the Texas Tornado in Frisco; the NHL Dallas Stars’ AAA affiliate Iowa Stars of the American Hockey League; and the MLB Seattle Mariners’ AAA affiliate Tacoma Rainiers, a Pacific Coast League baseball team. More information at www.schlegelsports.com.