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NHL returns to FirstOntario Centre

The NHL was back in town, at least for an afternoon.

Thousands of fans turned out to see a group of former NHLers, including ex-Toronto Maple Leafs Al Iafrate and Rick Vaive, ex-Montreal Canadiens Shayne Corson and Ric Nattress, and even a Gretzky — OK, Brent, not Wayne — join local media. personalities to face off against a team of law enforcement members Sunday at FirstOntario Center in downtown Hamilton.

The 2022-23 NHL Alumni Benefit Tour made a weekend stop at FirstOntario Center Sunday to help raise funds for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and Help A Child Smile. A young Oilers fan watches as Brent Gretzky, brother of Wayne, skates past during warm-ups.
The 2022-23 NHL Alumni Benefit Tour made a weekend stop at FirstOntario Center Sunday to help raise funds for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and Help A Child Smile. A young Oilers fan watches as Brent Gretzky, brother of Wayne, skates past during warm-ups.Barry Gray

The 2022-23 NHL Alumni Benefit Tour made a weekend stop here to help raise funds for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and Help A Child Smile, which benefits children receiving cancer treatment at McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Former Leaf Al Iafrate skates onto the ice under lasers during player introductions at FirstOntario Center Sunday.
Former Leaf Al Iafrate skates onto the ice under lasers during player introductions at FirstOntario Center Sunday.Barry Gray

And although they may be a little older, a step slower than in their heyday, and showing more gray, the former pros still demonstrated the puck prowess that wowed audiences across the league for years.

Brent Gretzky skates with the puck at FirstOntario Center Sunday for the NHL alumni game.
Brent Gretzky skates with the puck at FirstOntario Center Sunday for the NHL alumni game.Barry Gray
Brian McGrattan looks to make a pass during Sunday's NHL alumni game at FirstOntario Centre.
Brian McGrattan looks to make a pass during Sunday’s NHL alumni game at FirstOntario Centre.Barry Gray
Carter Hall, 9, looks on as he gets his jersey signed by Shayne Corson at Sunday's NHL alumni game at FirstOntario Centre.
Carter Hall, 9, looks on as he gets his jersey signed by Shayne Corson at Sunday’s NHL alumni game at FirstOntario Centre.Barry Gray
The 2022-23 NHL Alumni Benefit Tour stopped at First Ontario Center Sunday to help raise funds for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and Help A Child Smile. Wojtek Wolski brings the puck out from behind the net.
The 2022-23 NHL Alumni Benefit Tour stopped at First Ontario Center Sunday to help raise funds for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and Help A Child Smile. Wojtek Wolski brings the puck out from behind the net.Barry Gray
Former Leaf Rick Vaive greets fans as he heads for the ice at FirstOntario Center on Sunday.
Former Leaf Rick Vaive greets fans as he heads for the ice at FirstOntario Center on Sunday.Barry Gray

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