The Hockey Alum Lunch series

Thanks to Dan Bodanis, I was introduced to this eclectic collective of hockey lovers. They are players, coaches, scouts, referees or anyone who loves this beautiful sport. Some are from the Hockey Hall of Fame, while others are published authors and artists. Some are TV personalities; others are just pure fans. All have one thing in common - their shared passion is hockey, its history and stories. A group organizes these lunches, but a significant portion of the organization depends on Paul Patskou, Joe Rizzuto, and their committee.

Usually, photographers are either fiercely protective or very inclusive in sharing their opportunities. I will always be grateful to Dan for sharing this spectacular opportunity.

I am still determining where this will go, but I already have three essence portraits - Paul Patskou, Graham McWaters, and Allan Rose coming soon.

I will be working chronologically with the lunches. Each lunch has a theme and special guest. Older lunches are listed below the most current and are in chronological order.

Sept 09, 2024 ~

Guests: Sean McMorrow, Jim Ralph, Joe Tilley, Scott Morrison

May 27, 2024 ~

Guests: Bob Stellick & Shawn Noble

Another fine lunch gathering. We had two guest speakers and another song written and performed by Bill Heffernan. I love the behind-the-scenes stories, as usual.

Andrew Applebaum interviewed Bob Stellick. A long-time acquaintance, Al Rose, interviewed Shawn Noble. Great job, as usual. Apologies for not knowing the names, but I am still working on getting to know these fantastic people.

May 7, 2024 ~ Corey Hirsch

Guest speaker Corey Hirsch, Goalie, author of “The Save of my Life” and champion Mental Health Advocate

Left to right, Graham McWaters, Corey Hirsch, Mike Palmateer, Steve Palmateer and Jeff Palmateer

Corey Hirsch was the main speaker, but his presence was made possible by the Palmateer brothers, Mike, Jeff and Steve. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Scott Morrison interviewed Corey. The interview was insightful and gave us a special place in that particular moment. Thank you one and all for this beautiful event.

Corey told us stories about his hockey journey, including the world championships during the early nineties and the famous goal he allowed. He shared the trials and tribulations of his struggles with mental health issues and just how prevalent an issue it is. It was highly engaging and thought-provoking. I spoke to him about how this is such an insidious illness as it is invisible to the outside world.