Knights alumni group shoots into community

George Bray Hockey Association to benefit from June 19 golf tourney

By MORRIS DALLA COSTA The London Free Press

Last Updated: May 26, 2010 6:33pm

The London Knights have played a big role in the local community.

Now, the London Knights Alumni Association is ready to jump in and take its turn at making things better for London and Londoners.

Established in 2004, the alumni association has participated in Memorial Cup celebrations and organized the Don Brankley retirement bash.

The alumni association has recently been given a charitable number, making their events more attractive and allowing them to venture further into community involvement.

The alumni golf tournament will be held June 19 at Pine Knot Golf and Country Club and the association has identified the George Bray Hockey Association as its charity of choice.

George Bray has been operating in London since 1968 but seems to fly under the radar.

“This is absolutely great for us. It’s fantastic,” said longtime president Murray Howard. “Not only is it financially helpful, but the biggest issue we have is public awareness. To put the London Knights alumni together with George Bray players and the spinoffs that could be there . . . A number of players could be in this area at certain times doing guest appearances and maybe show up at one of my hockey schools for the kids.”

The George Bray hockey league deals with special needs kids who have physical limitations, medical conditions and emotional handicaps. It’s more about participation and fun than competition. Games are played at Glen Cairn Arena throughout the weekends in winter.

Rick Doyle of the Knights alumni says the George Bray Hockey Association met the requirements the alumni were looking for.

“With the charitable number we can really set our sights in the community,” Doyle said explaining their criteria. “It was support for something in the community. It had to be hockey related that supports both male and female athletes.”

Doyle also said working in the community is a way to show respect for the fans that “have shown so much respect to the alumni over the years.”

There are 18 spots open for the golf tournament where players will play their own ball.

“They’ll get to golf with at least one alumni member,” Doyle said.

Cost is $125 with a $43 tax receipt. If you don’t want to golf, you can attend the barbecue for $35. You can register for the event at londonknightsalumni.com or if you need more information contact Doyle at rdoyle@directcellars.ca.

Doyle believes the alumni group will get bigger and more active.

“There’s an appetite among the alumni to get together periodically for two reasons,” Doyle said. “ . . . to raise money to put back into the community and to have a reunion in some form.”

Whatever the future holds, the present offers Howard and his association with a real boost.

“I’m still in awe because we don’t know what exists in front of us,” he said. “It’s little things like the kids get to see these players and they know that some of them are pros and that’s cool. I hope we get a lot of parents from George Bray involved and maybe get the kids involved.

“It’s nice for me after doing it for so many years and now we have an association with London Knights alumni who respects the league and appreciates that it is here and think it’s a worthwhile cause to get involved with.”