Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro-Am Hockey Tournament Kicks Off in Calgary

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - April 16, 2015) - The 2015 Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro-Am Hockey Tournament (formally known as the Calgary Pro-Am Alzheimer's Hockey Tournament) is set to kick-off in Calgary this weekend. The world-class event will take place April 17 to 19 at Winsport Arena and will bring together local amateur hockey players and notable NHL Alumni.

The two-day tournament will see hockey enthusiasts play alongside NHL legends in a fun filled weekend aimed at raising awareness for Alzheimer's and dementia related illnesses. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on April 18, Calgarians will be invited to watch teams face off at the rink. Returning and new NHL Alumni including Wendel Clark, Joe Nieuwendyk and Lanny McDonald are just a few of the acclaimed Alumni who will be hitting the ice.

Since its inception in 2011, the tournament has raised much needed funds for programs, research, education and care for those suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia. Proceeds raised from this year's tournament will be directed to the Flames Foundation for Life and benefit the Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Center for Alzheimer's Research and Education Society.

"We are honoured to be back in Calgary to host this tournament on behalf of the Howe family," said Allan Klassen, President and Managing Partner, Albi Homes Ltd., and Executive Chair of the hockey tournament. "We continue to be blown away by the community's engagement in the tournament and the support received from participants. Alzheimer's and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent in our society, and we could not be more proud to contribute to the fight against these debilitating illnesses."

The weekend will commence with a formal luncheon at the Westin Calgary on April 17, featuring notable Calgarians and members of the hockey's elite "The 500 Goal Scorer's Club". The luncheon will be followed by an exclusive draft pick that evening where participating teams will have the chance to draft an NHL Alumni to their team. Teams must raise a minimum of $25,000 to participate in the tournament and draft order is determined based on fundraising rankings.

For more information about the 2015 Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S. Pro-Am Hockey Tournament and the full list of participating NHL Alumni, or for a detailed schedule of the tournament please visit http://www.gordiehowecaresproam.com.