by neil hodge
Times & transcript staff
Former Moncton Wildcats head coach Ted Nolan, centre, presents a $10,000 cheque to Elsipogtog Christmas Angels president James Augustine, right, treasurer Margaret Ann Milliea and her granddaughter Brooke Augustine, 11, at centre ice before the start of the Moncton Wildcats game yesterday.
Wildcats players stood at the bench to applaud and even his bitter rival, Quebec Remparts head coach Patrick Roy, clapped his hands during the pre-game ceremony. Nolan made a $10,000 cheque presentation to the Elsipogtog Christmas Angels yesterday on behalf of his foundation which benefits First Nations communities.
“Certain things are really heartfelt,” said Nolan. “The ovation here and the welcoming back to Moncton is something you feel inside your heart and soul. It stirs emotions and certainly brings back memories.
“I had dinner with (Wildcats owner) Mr. (Robert) Irving on Saturday night and I told him very sincerely that my time in Moncton was by far the best season I’ve ever had in hockey. The people here are so friendly and so welcoming and today was no different.”
Moncton lost 4-2 to Quebec in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action yesterday in front of 4,045 fans at the Moncton Coliseum.
The Ted Nolan Foundation was founded in 2004 to raise funds to improve education and help create a better future for aboriginal youth.
The Elsipogtog Christmas Angels is an annual event that started seven years ago to assist needy families and single mothers at this special time of year. Elsipogtog First Nation is the largest native community in New Brunswick with a population of almost 3,000.
The Wildcats raised $50,000 for the Ted Nolan Foundation last year through a luncheon, selling mini sticks, a 50-50 draw and auctioning off team jerseys. The club is planning to have another fundraiser for his foundation in July.
Nolan made a big impression and became a very popular figure in his only season as Moncton head coach in 2005-06. The Wildcats defeated Quebec to win their first QMJHL championship. They then lost to Quebec in the Memorial Cup final.
The 52-year-old is from the Garden River Ojibwa First Nation Reserve outside of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. He was a National Hockey League head coach with the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders. He was named NHL Coach of the Year with Buffalo in 1997.
Nolan is now vice-president of hockey operations for the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League. He’s also active with his foundation which has partnered with the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation to send 50-plus aboriginal kids to camp each year for a leadership program geared toward aboriginal youth.
“When we started the foundation our main focus was giving scholarships to young First Nations women to pursue education,” said Nolan. “Then we got involved with the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation to do a youth program.
“When Mr. Irving got involved with us the foundation went to a whole different level. Our board of directors is very strong. Mr. Irving became a board member to help us out and he’s very active. He’s really involved and helping us make a difference.
“I remember growing up in our community and not having too much at Christmas. I’m glad we can do something to help put a smile on the faces of kids in Elsipogtog. We want to help out First Nations communities across Canada at the grassroots level.”
Nolan uses his high profile in the hockey world to help First Nations communities.
“This game has given me the opportunity to do for others moreso than you do for yourself,” he said. “I love the game, don’t get me wrong. But I really appreciate the benefits I’ve received from the game that’s allowed me to help others through the foundation.”
