Event will raise money in support of Compassionate Care ALS and the Travis Roy Foundation
The Commonwealth Avenue Charity Classic to be held July 15, 2016 features long-time rivals Boston College and Boston University in an alumni hockey game for charity. All proceeds from the CACC benefit Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) and the Travis Roy Foundation in honor of alumni Pete Frates and Travis Roy and in memory of alumni Dick Kelly, Coach Jim Cotter, Ron Perryman and Richard Armstrong, who passed away with ALS. The 2015 game was attended by 3,500 fans in a sold out Walter Brown Arena and raised $55,000.
Boston College and Boston University alum hit the ice at the 2015 Comm. Ave. Charity Classic.
This year’s game features current and former NHL/AHL players who attended the schools and boasts rosters packed with players from across the map. Boston College alums include Brian Leetch (ret.) and Kevin Hayes of the New York Rangers, Mike Mottau (ret.) and Jimmy Hayes of the Boston Bruins, and Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames. Boston University alums include Shawn McEachern (ret.), Matt Grzelcyk and Jay Pandolfo (ret.) of the Boston Bruins, Matt O’Connor of the Ottawa Senators and Nick Bonino of the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Craig Adams, son-in-law of the late Mass. Governor Paul Cellucci, will also play as a special guest.
The concept for the Comm. Ave. Charity Classic began in late 2014 when former Boston College Eagles’ hockey captain, Pat Mullane ‘13, was inspired by BC’s own Sports Information Director, Dick Kelly, and his notable fight against ALS. Like many student-athletes at Boston College, Pat was fortunate to develop a great friendship with Dick, who served as mentor, role model, and most importantly a friend to everyone he met. Dick lost his battle with ALS in February of 2014.
As the Boston College community mourned the death of Dick, another Eagle continued his battle with ALS. Former BC baseball captain Pete Frates was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2012 and continues the fight. While their paths never crossed at BC, Pat heard countless stories about Pete’s passion for baseball, his family, and his friends.
Something had to be done to honor such incredible members of the BC and ALS communities and support a much needed cause. In January of 2015, Pat teamed up with former BC hockey player Andrew Orpik ‘09. Andrew spent two years at BC with Pete Frates and like Pat, developed a friendship with Dick Kelley. Together, Pat and Andrew decided to initiate the first annual Comm. Ave. Charity Classic.
The mission of CCALS is to support families living with an ALS diagnosis, an incurable neurological disorder that takes an enormous emotional and physical toll on patients and their families. For 18 years the Falmouth-based non-profit organization has provided more than thirteen hundred families across the country with support as they navigate the many complexities and challenges of the disease. CCALS provides guidance and awareness to individuals living with ALS and their caregivers as well as end of life support, educational workshops, Medicare/Medicaid assistance and equipment.
To see the full roster and purchase tickets, please visit www.ccals.org/cacc
