Cushing Hosts 9th Annual Hockey Benefit
4/6/2010
In what has become a tremendous showing of local support, the Ashburnham-Westminster Community Hockey Game raised nearly $20,000 during the 9th annual benefit on April 3. Comprised of local educators, law enforcement members, and special guests, the teams took to the ice at Cushing’s Iorio Arena in support of this year’s beneficiary, Corey McGrath, a 5th grader who survived a brain aneurysm.
McGrath, who arrived at the Arena aboard a Hummer, was honored on center stage in pre-game ceremonies by bagpipers, Cushing Headmaster James Tracy, and Ashburnham/Westminster School Superintendent Michael Zapantis. Members of the Cushing community participating in the game included 2010 Olympic silver medalists Erika Lawler ’05 and Meghan Duggan ’06; Don Irving, Trustee and past parent; Ray Bourque, NHL Hall of Famer, past parent and coach; faculty members and coaches Bill Troy, Rob Gagnon, Jay Cooke, Rich Devin, and Jay Sharron; and Courtney Kennedy, two-time Olympian and daughter of Paul Kennedy who coaches the CA varsity girls’ hockey team.
In addition to a spectacular game, the event featured an auction and raffle, which, in addition to ticket sales, will support McGrath’s recuperation.