2015 Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro-Am Hockey Tournament Announces Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Society as Tournament Benefactor

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Jan. 27, 2015) - The 2015 Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro-Am Hockey Tournament (formally known as the Calgary Pro-Am Alzheimer's Hockey Tournament) returns this spring and will take place April 17 to 19, 2015 at Winsport Arenas. This world-class event brings local amateur hockey players together with their NHL heroes for a fun filled weekend focused on raising funds in support of Alzheimer's and Dementia awareness and research.

The tournament will feature many returning and new NHL alumni including Wendel Clark, Marty McSorley, Curtis Joseph, Dave Elliot and Mark Napier, as well as Calgary's own Lanny McDonald and Theoren Fleury. These former NHL all-stars will join members of "The 500 Goal Scorer's Club" as they participate in the weekend tournament to fight against Alzheimer's and other related Dementias.

The weekend will kick-off with a luncheon at the Westin Calgary on Friday, April 17 where the business community and hockey enthusiasts will get a taste of the Pro-Am action. The luncheon will include an unforgettable Hot Stove Lounge featuring hockey's elite "The 500 Goal Scorer's Club" and will enhance public awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear untold stories from some of the best hockey players in the world including Yvan Cournoyer, Daryl Sittler, Jeremy Roenick, Frank Mahovlich and Bobby Hull.

To participate, teams must raise a minimum of $25,000 and draft order of NHL Alumni players is subsequently determined based on fundraising rankings. All proceeds from the event will be directed to the Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Society's Centre for Alzheimer's Research and Education through the Flames Foundation for Life. Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. is a registered not-for-profit society that is seeking to become a leading resource to, and voice for, Albertans suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their caregivers.

"We are excited to announce the Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Society's Centre for Alzheimer's Research and Education as well as the extraordinary roster of NHL legends that will be joining us in April to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's and Dementia," said Allan Klassen, President and Managing Partner of Albi Homes Ltd., Executive Chair of the hockey tournament and Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Society board member. "This will be an unforgettable weekend for hockey fans and Calgarians alike."

Current numbers suggest that over 40,000 Albertans suffer from some form of Dementia and these numbers will continue to grow. Despite these alarming statistics, new initiatives in Calgary and the surrounding area are positioning the Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Society to support this ever increasing population in new and innovative ways and work as a team to care for and treat dementia sufferers.

The funds raised will also help operate the Gordie Howe Center for Dementia Care, currently under construction in south Calgary as part of the Manor Village at Fish Creek Park. Funds raised by C.A.R.E.S. will support research, education and caregiver/patient day support programs offered by the Center.

For more information about the 2015 Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro-Am Hockey Tournament, the full list of participating NHL alumni, and to donate or register a team, please visit http://www.gordiehowecaresproam.com. For more information about the Centre for Alzheimer's Research and Education and the Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Society, please visit www.gordiehowecares.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Sophie Pilon
Brookline Public Relations
(403) 538-5641 ext.110
spilon@brooklinepr.com