NHL legend Bob Baun shoots for students

OSHAWA, Ont. - UOIT, Durham College, and National Hockey League (NHL) legend Bob Baun are about to provide Canadian sports fans with their ultimate fantasy - an opportunity to draft a favourite NHL hero and lace up to play on his team.

The first annual Bobby Baun Legends and Friends Classic fundraising tournament will hit the ice in support of UOIT and Durham College this January with proceeds from the event being used toward student scholarships and bursaries. The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Campus Ice Centre and the Legends Centre from January 5 to 7, 2007.

"My wife Sallie and I are incredibly proud to work with UOIT and Durham College," said Bob Baun, who also partnered with Mrs. Baun in 2005 to serve as honorary co-chairs of the college and university's annual fundraising gala. "Both schools deliver skills, education, and life experience - all designed to position students to be sought-after graduates in a demanding and competitive job market."

Johnny Bower, Ron Ellis and Red Kelly are among the legends who will be on hand to offer coaching assistance to 20 different teams made up of 10 to 15 players, age 25 and older. Each club will draft an NHL alumnus to be part of a guaranteed three games, including free agents such as former NHLers Gary Leeman, Bill Derlago, Peter Ing, Jim Dorey, Mike Ferryman, and Carleton - The Bear.

"Often times the only barrier keeping a student from reaching his or her greatest potential is the financial assistance UOIT and Durham College are committed to providing," added Baun, whose decorated NHL career includes scoring a Stanley Cup finals overtime goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs, while playing on a broken leg.

The entry fee is $25,000 per team and charitable online sponsorship opportunities will be available to anyone wishing to contribute to a team's entry fee or sponsor another portion of the tournament. Participants will receive gifts such as signed memorabilia, meals, and entrance to the Friday evening draft party at Tosca Banquet Hall in Whitby and the Saturday evening banquet at Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility in Ajax. Players will also have a chance to take part in an all-star game that will see an alumni all-star team face a tournament all-star squad made up of one player from each of the 20 teams.

"We continue to be impressed with the ongoing support the Baun family provides to the college, said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. "We are truly appreciative of their efforts which make a marked difference in the lives of our students by the opening door to more opportunities than ever before."

CTV news anchor Ken Shaw will host the Saturday evening banquet and Canadian recording legend Michael Burgess will perform. The weekend will also feature plenty of opportunities for family involvement and a chance for friends and family members to sponsor their favourite players - this is the perfect Christmas gift for any hockey fan.

"The Baun family continues to leave its mark on UOIT in so many ways," added Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president of UOIT. "Students who have the required academic standing but are in need of financial support will find a home at UOIT thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Baun family."

Title sponsors are still needed, with multi-year commitments and options available to businesses and organizations. To register a team or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Elaine Catell at 905.721.3111 ext. 2722 or elaine.catell@dc-uoit.ca.

About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including several Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Durham College
For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government's indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate - 93.1 per cent - of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students enrolled in over 100 programs and courses and over 1,500 apprentices. For more information, visit the website at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@dc-uoit.ca