4th annual Pros -vs- Prospects benefitted local charities

It was an old school hockey reunion at the 4th Annual Pros–vs-Prospects Charity Classic at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Frisco March 21. The Pros showed the Prospects, the Texas Tornado Junior 'A' level ice hockey team, that experience triumphs over youthful exuberance once again.

Pros vs. Prospects is a unique hockey game matching current and retired 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. 

Many of the players have close ties to the Dallas Stars. In fact, center Mike Modano dropped the first puck to start the game. Dallas Stars singer and former “American Idol” finalist Celena Rae sang the national anthem.

“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 all raised 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. 

“Heading into the third period, it looked like the Prospects might be wearing down the Pros,” said Schlegel. “The Prospects closed to within three points. But, the Pros taught the prospects a lesson in perseverance as they kicked it up to another level. While the Prospects have yet to beat the Pros, they are already talking about next year.”

The Pros beat the Prospects 13-to-7. Former Dallas Stars center Bob Bassen was named the game’s Most Valuable Player and recognized for scoring a hat trick, which is when one player scores three goals in a single game. 

After the game, each Pro signed his game jersey and fans bid on them in a live auction. The jerseys raised from $150 to $1,200 each, with Dallas Stars co-General Manager Brett Hull’s sweat-stained #16 jersey bringing top dollar. 

The Frisco Education Foundation has a mission to provide financial resources to maximize student potential in the Frisco Independent School District through educational scholarships for high school seniors and teachers through innovative "Grants for Great Ideas."

The Boys & Girls Club of Collin County provides more than 4,500 area children and teenagers with a safe place to learn and grow in the vulnerable hours between school and home. The BGCCC offers a variety of program activities and support services designed to assist in the educational, emotional, physical and social development of six to 18-year-olds, without regard to social, racial, ethnic or religious background. More at www.bgccc.org. 

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.