By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Members of the Boston Bruins Alumni will face off against the West Point Hockey Alumni All Stars in a benefit hockey game Sunday, March 22, at the New England Sport Center, 121 Donald Lynch Blvd. The game is a fundraiser for the Fisher House Boston, an organization that provides accommodations, at no cost, for family members of hospitalized veterans and military members.
Leading the West Point team as captain is Mike Landers, a native of Marlborough and the son of City Councilor Donald Landers and his wife Betsy.
Former Bruins star Rick “Nifty” Middleton, who thrilled fans in the ‘80s with his stellar moves, is the captain of the Bruins Alumni team. The nonprofit Alumni actively coordinate benefit games to raise money for various charities and youth groups. According to its website, www.bostonbruinsalumni.com, current players include Terry O’Reilly, Raymond Bourque, Reggie Lemelin and Ken “The Rat” Linseman, among others.
“We are hoping to raise $50,000,” said Donald Landers, who is a member of the committee planning the event.
Prior to joining West Point and becoming a three-year letter winner, his son Mike was an outstanding athlete at Marlborough High School where he received letters in hockey, baseball and football. He graduated in 1989 from Marlborough High, from Cushing Academy in 1990 and West Point in 1994.
The West Point Society of New England, Inc., (WPSNE) is the alumni association for West Point graduates, former cadets, cadets, families and friends of West Point. With over 1,200 graduates and over 4,000 affiliated members, WPSNE promotes the ideals of the United States Military Academy within the region. They sponsor leadership awards at selected high schools and sponsor events for military-related charitable organizations.
The Fisher House in Boston is located at the VA Boston Healthcare Medical facility in West Roxbury and was the 46th Fisher House to be built in the country. The homes are built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. Any veteran or active military personnel, wartime or peacetime, is eligible to have a loved one stay at a Fisher House.
Doors for the March 22 event in Marlborough open at 12 p.m. and the puck drops at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under) and can be obtained at westpointaog.org/WPSofNewEngland-AlumniHockeyGame. Those who donate $250 or more will receive two passes to the VIP reception and seating section as well as admission to the private post-game Bruins/West Point reception. For additional information or questions call 508-728-8781.