NHL players return to ice for charity

HAMILTON, Ontario – With wind whipping rain and snow into their faces, locked-out and former NHL players skated in a charity game Saturday night that put them, for a few hours anyway, back where they wanted to be – on ice.

“It was a blast,” said Detroit Red Wings center Kris Draper. “It wasn’t the best weather for the fans but for the players it was great.

“Nobody cared if it was raining or snowing. It was just great to get back on the ice.”

Nearly 20,000 spectators braved the elements at Ivor Wynne Stadium to watch Team Gilmour defeat Team Staios 11-8.

Free agent Steve Thomas scored three goals for the winners, while Draper and Mike Comrie of the Phoenix Coyotes had two each in a losing effort.

Profits went to the Tsunami Relief Fund of the Canadian Red Cross, and Camp Trillium for children with cancer.

“The bottom line is the charity wins in the end,” said Colorado Avalanche defenseman Rob Blake. “Every one of us had a pretty good time doing that.”

Martin Brodeur and Curtis Joseph were in goal and faced a total of 105 shots.

Gordie Howe presided over the ceremonial faceoff and fellow Hall of Famer Mike Gartner scored a goal.

Even Indianapolis Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt, an Ontario native, donned some skates and botched a breakaway against Brodeur.

“I thought to myself, ‘I’m going down the ice against Martin Brodeur.’ I psyched myself out,” he said. “But It was a great experience all around.”