To further honour the legacy of the NHL Alumni’s esteemed members, each hole was named after an NHL icon and featured a video retrospective of their careers, which played in every golf cart as participants played through.
The 9th hole, a 365-yard Par 4, was the scene of the inaugural ‘Happy Gilmore Contest’, which saw NHL Alumni and attendees make their best attempt at the iconic movie swing. Donning a special #4 Bobby Orr Boston Bruins jersey, Ben Scrivens ended up taking top prize with a beautiful rendition of the drive that resulted in a 300-yard bomb down the middle of the fairway. Keith Acton took a unique approach, incorporating a perfectly executed spin move before unleashing his inner ‘Happy’. However, ultimately, it was Doug Gilmour who stole the show with a swing for the ages that cemented his title as the true ‘Happy Gilmour’.
After an action-packed round, Team Carlsberg emerged with the lowest score of the day. To cap off the round, the Highland Creek Pipe Band ushered in an all-star lineup of NHL Alumni including, Adam Graves, Rob Schremp, Steve Thomas, Brad May, Jeff Beukeboom, Mike Krushelnyski, Bryan Trottier, Guy Carbonneau, and Doug Gilmour for the 11th Hole ‘Closest to the Pin’ contest. As a proud partner of the NHLAA, the Hockey Hall of Fame graciously handed off the Hart, King Clancy, Bill Masterton, and Art Ross Trophies to our distinguished members as they walked down the fairway to the hole. With everyone looking on from the viewing gallery around the green, which was fully equipped with a dedicated oyster bar and music, Guy Carbonneau took to the tee and stuck his tee shot within inches of the pin to take home the victory.
To celebrate the great day, all attendees then headed back to the prestigious Coppinwood Clubhouse, where dinner, libations, and live music awaited. Showing his multi-talented nature, seven-time Stanley Cup Champion Bryan Trottier, guitar in hand, joined the band and Stuart Cameron from the Crash Test Dummies on stage to play for the crowd.
A day of picturesque golf, live music, delicious food and drink, all while celebrating the legacy of hockey, the NHL Alumni Celebrity Golf Classic provided a memorable experience for all who took part. There was resounding agreement from all attendees that this year’s edition was the best yet, and everyone is looking forward to an even bigger and better event next year!
