Sharks star to host charity casino
The All-in for Brain Research charity event is Aug. 23 at Kitchener’s Centre in the Square
KITCHENER — Peter DeBoer is concerned about concussions as a father and coach.
“The subject matter is critical,” said the current head coach of the San Jose Sharks and former Kitchener Rangers general manager. “I think it’s the most pressing issue in sport in the world right now.
“I also have three kids all playing different athletics who have had concussions at different times and they’re still teenagers. It’s something as a parent that I want to know about.”
The Sharks bench boss likes playing cards too.
“I like Texas Hold’em poker,” he said.
So when Sharks forward Logan Couture, a nine-year NHL veteran, announced that he was bringing his All-in for Brain Research charity casino to the Centre in the Square next month, DeBoer was, well, all in.
The event raised $100,000 during its inaugural run last year in London. Because of the success, Couture has added a second night in Kitchener this time around. More than 500 people have already committed to the $250 per ticket gala set for Aug. 23 on the main stage at the music hall.
The black tie optional gathering is for fun (no cash involved) and has a growing list of celebrity guests that includes Couture, Sharks teammate Chris Tierney, Olympic boxer Mandy Bujold, ex-Rangers coach Steve Spott and Blueshirts alumnus Matt Halischuk, among others.
“I’ve had concussions in the past and I know the impact they can have on lives and careers,” said Couture, who was born in Guelph but raised in the London area. “They’re scary, that’s the best word to describe them.
“We’ve seen some guys have difficulty after playing with head injuries. Anything we can do to help prevention or in recovery is going to benefit athletes in all sports.”
Some of the proceeds from the Kitchener event — the one in London goes Aug. 16 — are earmarked for the Get Your Head in the Game concussion education program in Waterloo Region.
DeBoer, who was in town for Thursday’s news conference, plans to return to hit the tables next month.
He had a no gambling policy in the playoffs when his Sharks faced — and lost to — the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL’s western conference semifinals.
But when the team stayed at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino on the Strip during the post-season, the manager organized a private poker tournament for players and staff, which Couture won.
DeBoer still has a Rangers sweater and slipped it on Thursday which prompted the question — what was his biggest gamble during his seven-year reign as coach and GM at the Aud?
“I’ll tell you the biggest gamble that paid off was staying as long as I did,” he said. “I had opportunities to leave for pro as early as 2003. I stayed because of how much I loved the city, how much I loved raising my family in it and how much I loved the organization and the fans.
“That was the gamble I took by staying and it has paid off in spades. I wouldn’t trade that time I spent here for anything.”
Ticket information for the casino night can be found at www.couture39.com.