NHL Alumni take to the ice for the CE Franklin 3-on-3 Challenge

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NHL Alumni take to the ice for the CE Franklin 3-on-3 Challenge

CALGARY, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - NHL alumni will be hitting the ice for a great cause at the second annual CE Franklin 3-on-3 Challenge, a hockey tournament in support of Calgary Health Trust, on Saturday, September 10, 2011. Former Calgary Flames forward Craig Conroy is the Celebrity Chair for this year's tournament.

"CE Franklin is a proud supporter of Calgary Health Trust and the important work that they do," says President and Chief Executive Officer Michael West. "We are very excited to once again host this family event in support of Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Calgary."

Several NHL alumni, including former Calgary Flames Rene Corbet, Jeff Shantz and Lindsey Carson, will take to the ice with players from the community at the Don Hartman North East Sportsplex.

Family and friends are also invited to participate in this great day of hockey, food and family fun. Admission is free. There will be a KidsZone open from 11a.m. - 2 p.m., as well as a visit from 2010 Olympic gold medalist Christine Nesbitt.

Tournament proceeds will enhance equipment in Neonatal Intensive Care Units at the Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre and Rockyview General Hospital. These units provide specialized, high- level care to sick and premature newborns, helping them survive the most critical situations.

Approximately 10 per cent of the 20,000 babies born annually in Calgary receive care in the NICUs. Patricia and Warren Nielsen experienced the exceptional care the NICUs provide first-hand when their daughter, Marilyn, was born two months early, weighing only three pounds.

"It was scary at first, but the staff in the NICUs helped settle us. It's a really calm, supportive environment, and I can't say enough about the people who work there," says Patricia. "It was the best place for Marilyn to be and the staff really took care of us, too."

Last year's CE Franklin 3-on-3 Challenge raised $155,000 for NICUs in Calgary. The money helped purchase a hybrid warmer and cardio respiratory monitors for the units.

For more information about this event, visit www.calgaryhealthtrust.ca.

Event details:
CE Franklin 3-on-3 Challenge
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Don Hartman North East Sportsplex, 5206 68 Street Northeast
Games run from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
KidZone runs from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Interview opportunities
Craig Conroy, Calgary Flames organization and Celebrity Chair, CE Franklin 3-on-3 Challenge
Mike West, President and CEO, CE Franklin and Chair, CE Franklin 3-on-3 Challenge
Sally Flintoft, CEO, Calgary Health
Trust Trisha and Warren Nielsen, whose daughter, Marilyn, received care in the NICU (media must contact Calgary Health Trust prior to event to arrange an interview)

Calgary Health Trust connects donor passions with health care needs. Together we are touching lives in our community every day by raising funds for enhanced technology, programs and services at the Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, Women's Health, Carewest continuing care centres and other community health programs and facilities. For information on the Calgary Health Trust, please go to www.calgaryhealthtrust.ca.

SOURCE CE Franklin Ltd.

Image with caption: "Martin Gelinas and Dennis Polonich faceoff at centre ice during the 2010 CE Franklin 3-on-3 Challenge (CNW Group/CE Franklin Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110906_C8439_PHOTO_EN_2804.jpg

Image with caption: "Calgary Flames mascot Harvey the Hound holds up autographed photos of Olympic athletes at the 2010 CE Franklin 3-on-3 Challenge (CNW Group/CE Franklin Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110906_C8439_PHOTO_EN_2805.jpg

Video with caption: "Video: Warren and Trisha Nielsen discuss the impact the NICU had on their family". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZrlhTGAmuw