Luncheon is Set0

By NEIL HODGE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

Moncton Wildcats owner Robert Irving gained more than a head coach when he hired Ted Nolan. He also gained a close friend.

Nolan spent just one season in Moncton, but took on celebrity status here as the bench boss who led the Wildcats to their first Quebec Major Junior Hockey League championship in 2005-06.

Nolan is looking to make a different kind of impact as he prepares to return to Moncton. The Ted Nolan Foundation will hold its second annual general meeting here this week and that includes a noon luncheon tomorrow at the Delta Beausejour Hotel.

“Ted’s leadership in the Aboriginal community is clearly looked upon in a very strong way,” said Irving. “He’s very dedicated through his foundation to helping Aboriginal youth and women try to better themselves in life.

There are still tickets available for tomorrow’s luncheon and they’re on sale at the Wildcats office or by calling 877-304-6652. It’s $75 per ticket or $750 for a 10-seat table. A tax receipt will be issued less cost of the meal.

The public is also invited to attend a silent auction tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Delta Beausejour Hotel.

The Ted Nolan Foundation will award two $4,000 scholarships to New Brunswick First Nations women who want to further their education. The remainder of the money raised at the silent auction and luncheon will go toward developing community level programs for First Nations youth.

On his website (www.tednolanfoundation.com), Nolan notes that many young First Nations people grow up in substandard housing and that they lack self-esteem and lose hope. His registered charity promotes healthy lifestyle choices for Aboriginal youth.

Nolan, raised on the Garden River Reserve near Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., played and coached in the National Hockey League. He was named NHL Coach of the Year with the Buffalo Sabres in 1996-97.

For many years, he has operated First Nations hockey camps and done motivational speaking across the country. His mother died after being hit by a drunk driver in 1981 and he honours her memory by awarding scholarships to First Nations women in her name.

“Ted sees that if young Aboriginal kids are given a chance they can do some great things,” said Irving. “He asked me to be part of the board of directors for his foundation and I was honoured to accept his invitation.

“It’s an opportunity to give out scholarships to Aboriginal women so they can further their education and work toward whatever they want to do in society. It’s also an opportunity to send positive messages to First Nations youth.”

Nolan left Moncton to take over as head coach of the NHL’s New York Islanders in 2006-07. He’s now vice-president of hockey operations for the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.

The Wildcats will send their bus to the St. Mary’s First Nation in Fredericton on Saturday and bring back a youth group. Nolan will talk to the kids on Saturday afternoon and they will attend the Wildcats game that night.

“I respect Ted for his leadership and hockey ability and what he was able to do for us that season in Moncton,” said Irving. “We went all the way to the Memorial Cup final. Ted and I are very close and we keep in touch on a regular basis.

“He knows the game of hockey very well. He’s still always willing to help the Wildcats in terms of giving us a few tips on players out there.”

“We extended an invitation for Ted’s foundation to have its annual general meeting and fundraising luncheon in Moncton. His foundation is for a great cause and we’re very pleased to offer support by helping raise money.”