The Tri-Cities almost doubled their generosity on the links earlier this year for kids on the autism spectrum.
On Wednesday (Nov. 9), the Coquitlam Express presented a cheque of exactly $21,812.55 to representatives from the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) outside the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
The funds were raised from the BC Hockey League (BCHL) team's second annual alumni charity golf tournament.
That's 84 per cent more than the $11,865 collected from the Express' inaugural event in 2021, bringing the two-year total to nearly $33,700 for local non-profits affiliated with the Vancouver Canucks.
Coquitlam Express general manager Tali Campbell is grateful to see the fundraiser continue to become a success.
"This now brings our total donations to local groups and organizations to over $200,000 since I joined the team two years ago," he said in a social media post.
More than 100 people participated in the Sept. 14 tourney at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club.
It included a silent auction with prizes ranging from tickets to sporting events, gift cards to local businesses and signed memorabilia.
Alumnus Kyle Turris was among the celebrity guests that teed it up with local residents, sponsors and businesses, who signed on to be a player development coach and Campbell's special advisor for the 2022-23 season.
The 2006 national junior 'A' champion with the Express, who were playing in Burnaby at the time, is set to have his jersey retired by the team on Jan. 6.
Coquitlam captain Ian Devlin, along with alternate captains Luke Vardy and Ray Hamlin, were on hand for the donation to CAN.
