Seven players who had at least one 40-goal season in the NHL will visit the Penobscot Ice Arena in Brewer for a benefit game against a group of Local Legends players at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8.
The proceeds will benefit the Hampden Academy hockey program.
The NHL Legends will include former Boston Bruins great Rick Middleton, who had five seasons with 40 or more goals including a 51-goal season; Stephane Richer, who had 51 and 50-goal campaigns; Dennis Maruk, who had 60- and 50-goal seasons; Gary Leeman, a 51-goal scorer; Wendel Clark, who had 46; and Ron Duguay and Petr Klima, who each produced 40-goal seasons.
Longtime NHL defensemen Al Iafrate, who had three 20-goal seasons, and Mike Lalor round out the roster.
The 24-player roster for the Local Legends will include former John Bapst High of Bangor, Boston College and University of Maine defenseman Kim Meagher, former Orono High standout and Old Town High coach Brett Hale, current Bangor High coach Quinn Paradis, former Colorado College defenseman Bob Needham and MacDonald.
Steve Walton, the 12-year president of the NHL Legends tours, called Hampden Academy first-year coach and longtime friend Eric MacDonald about scheduling a game.
“We had 74 events last year. But we haven’t done much in Maine,” said Walton. “I know there are hockey fans there, so I talked to Eric and said we’d love to have something down there.”
“It’s going to be a great night. It’s something different for the area. We’re excited about it,” said MacDonald, who has played for several Local Legends teams against the NHL Legends.
The last time there was such an event was in 2010 when the Boston Bruins alumni played a Local Legends team at the Alfond Arena in Orono.
The game tickets will cost $20 and, for another $20, there will be a pregame reception from 4-6 p.m. that night at Seasons in Bangor. The players will be available for autographs.
MacDonald said the proceeds will go toward ice time, water bottles, pucks and other items required by the hockey program.
He is hoping to make this an annual event.
MacDonald also is trying to obtain more sponsorships to help defray the costs. Potential sponsors can inquire at the skate shop at the Penobscot Ice Arena.
People can obtain tickets to the game and the reception from Local Legends players, at Hero’s restaurant in Bangor or at the skate shop at the Penobscot Ice Arena. There will be a 50-50 raffle, and an NHL Legends jersey will be auctioned off at the game.