Close X
Thursday, December 12, 2024
ADVT 
National

Superheroes suit up for charity game honouring missing Calgary boy

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 06 Feb, 2015 10:15 AM

    CALGARY — Former hockey superstars laced up their skates for a challenge game at Calgary's Saddledome last night in memory of a little hockey-playing fan of superheroes who hasn't been seen since last summer.

    A crowd of around 15,000 people turned out to see several members of the Calgary Flames alumni play a team that included police and emergency responders to raise money for the Nathan O'Brien Children's Foundation.

    The foundation is named in honour of the five-year-old boy who disappeared last June, along with his grandparents, Kathy and Alvin Liknes (LIHK'-ness).

    Nathan's family was given a standing ovation as they dropped a ceremonial puck to start the game, while many in the crowd had tears in their eyes during a video tribute to Nathan prior to the faceoff.

    Jennifer O'Brien, Nathan's mother, coached one of the teams and wore a shirt depicting Spiderman, one of her son's favourite superheroes.

    More than $75,000 was raised for the foundation, although more money is expected to flow in from the game for distribution to various charities.

    Nathan's father, Rod, said the game was important to the family.

    "We were very blessed with a lot of community support and we're just hoping that we can help other kids. Thinking about us or buying a ticket to the game is showing a little bit of superhero in everyone."

    Former Calgary Flames player Sheldon Kennedy said the NHLers had no trouble filling out their roster for the game.

    "We were full within a day of sending out an email to see who wants to play. I think we had 26 guys."

    Current Flame Curtis Glencross said he's happy the club was able to lend a hand when needed.

    "We're all in for any community support. You have to give the ownership group credit for that. I have a charity of my own in the summertime and they do a great job of supporting it."

    Nathan's body and those of his grandparents have never been found. Murder charges have previously been laid. (CHQR)

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Lawyer Says Authorities Trying To Embarrass Hunter Accused Of Killing Sheep In Yukon

    Lawyer Says Authorities Trying To Embarrass Hunter Accused Of Killing Sheep In Yukon
    KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Conservation authorities are trying to discredit and embarrass his client, says a lawyer representing an alleged cross-border poacher accused of lying about where he shot a record-setting Dall sheep.

    Lawyer Says Authorities Trying To Embarrass Hunter Accused Of Killing Sheep In Yukon

    A List Of The Victims Along Infamous B.C.'s Highway Of Tears

    A List Of The Victims Along Infamous B.C.'s Highway Of Tears
    VANCOUVER — A list of the 18 women and girls whose deaths and disappearances are part of the RCMP's investigation of the Highway of Tears in British Columbia. They were either found or last seen near Highways 16, 97 or 5:

    A List Of The Victims Along Infamous B.C.'s Highway Of Tears

    Former UBC Professor, Gets Probation For Secretly Recording People In Change Room

    Former UBC Professor, Gets Probation For Secretly Recording People In Change Room
    RICHMOND, B.C. — A former University of B.C. professor has been handed probation for secretly recording study participants in a change room.

    Former UBC Professor, Gets Probation For Secretly Recording People In Change Room

    Liberals to vote for anti-terrorism bill, vow to fix flaws if elected

    Liberals to vote for anti-terrorism bill, vow to fix flaws if elected
    OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau says Liberal MPs will vote in favour of a new anti-terrorism bill, despite concerns that it provides no parliamentary oversight over security agencies and includes no mandatory review of the legislation in the years to come.

    Liberals to vote for anti-terrorism bill, vow to fix flaws if elected

    Terror suspect Awso Peshdary under communication ban

    Terror suspect Awso Peshdary under communication ban
    OTTAWA — A judge has barred terrorism suspect Awso Peshdary from communicating with several people, partly due to Crown fears of witness intimidation.

    Terror suspect Awso Peshdary under communication ban

    Police Investigate Apparent Murder Of 55-year-old Woman In Vancouver Island Home

    Police Investigate Apparent Murder Of 55-year-old Woman In Vancouver Island Home
    LADYSMITH, B.C. — Police in Ladysmith, B.C., are investigating the apparent murder of a 55-year-old woman.

    Police Investigate Apparent Murder Of 55-year-old Woman In Vancouver Island Home