The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) announced today that hockey fans and friends of the late Luc Bourdon will have the opportunity to support the Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund through an online eBay.ca auction that was launched this past Saturday. All proceeds raised will support scholarships and various youth related initiatives in honour of Luc Bourdon.
The auction features one-of-a-kind hockey memorabilia donated by NHLPA members, NHL Clubs and various hockey organizations. Notable items donated to the auction include a Sidney Crosby autographed stick, Nicklas Lidstrom and Saku Koivu autographed jerseys, and NHL team signed jerseys. The Vancouver Canucks, Bourdon’s former team, donated numerous auction items including Roberto Luongo’s blocker and glove, and an autographed Luongo jersey.
“NHLPA members are proud to support the Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund through this charity auction,” said Paul Kelly, NHLPA Executive Director. “Luc was truly a great friend and teammate of many, and this auction will help honour Luc.”
Following Bourdon’s sudden passing in May, NHLPA members committed $10,000 to the Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund through the NHLPA’s Goals & Dreams fund. The Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund will be officially launched in 2009.
Fans are encouraged to visit www.nhlpa.com to connect to the online charity auction, which is being hosted on eBay.ca. Information and updates will be posted regularly.
WHAT NHLPA MEMBERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE AUCTION HONOURING LUC BOURDON
“I had the privilege of knowing Luc both as a player and as an individual and I cherish the memories I have of him,” said former teammate of Luc’s and current New York Rangers forward Markus Naslund. “I’m proud that the NHLPA members are honouring Luc’s memory in this fashion. I’m sure this auction will raise a tremendous amount of money for the memorial fund.”
“As a close friend of Luc’s, I am very thankful for the opportunity to actively support this cause,” said Luc’s former teammate and Vancouver Canucks forward Alexandre Burrows. “It means a lot to me to hear about the generosity of fellow NHLPA members, and I’m hopeful that our efforts are successful in raising money for charity as well as honouring Luc’s memory.”
“Luc was a very good teammate and friend, with such a promising future ahead of him,” said Luc’s former teammate and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke. “It is very encouraging to see the strong support from the NHLPA members and the entire hockey community as so many people have come together to uphold Luc’s legacy.”