Sun, surf and..... hockey?
Retired NHL'ers face off in Puerto Plata
COFRESI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – December 2007 - The puck dropped on the first annual NHLA Tropical Ball Hockey Tournament at Sun Village Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic on Sunday as the National Hockey League Alumni Association and resort guests faced off for charity. Legendary Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Johnny Bower coached a former pro squad comprised of Mark Napier, Bob Probert, Chris Nilan, Dave Hutchison, Dave Schultz, Gary Leeman and Kraig Nienhuis. The NHLA squad was bolstered by the play of Blue Rodeo front man Jim Cuddy, whose passion for the game and friendship with the players has made him a regular at NHLA events.

A gathering of the NHLA members on Monday night at the Beach House Bar & Grill on Cofresi Beach led to impromptu musical performances by Jim Cuddy and Kraig Nienhuis, much to the delight of the establishment’s intimate clientele. Nienhuis has achieved considerable success across Canada with his own band, 9 House, opening for acts including ZZ Top, the Doobie Brothers, Nickelback, George Thorogood and Heart.

On Tuesday night, the national sports of Canada and the Dominican Republic met face to face at Cibao Stadium in Santiago as members of the NHLA squad were welcomed into the Cibao Eagles’ clubhouse prior to a Dominican League game against the visiting squad from San Pedro de Macoris. Former Toronto Blue Jay, Tony Batista, was on-hand to greet the players who were later presented with game balls autographed by the Santiago team.

The tournament wraps up Friday with a fourth and final game day after a week that included cocktail receptions, autograph sessions and a poolside karaoke night. Proceeds from the event will benefit the NHLA’s Hockey’s Greatest Family Foundation, as well as the Elliott Foundation, a Dominican charity administered by the Canadian owners of Sun Village Resort & Spa and the new Maxim Bungalows. With the success of the 2007 inaugural tournament, organizers expect the event to grow substantially in 2008.

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Panoramic Photo of Puerto Plata City. Click for wide view