While the NHL's Olympians battle in Nagano, the league
has created "Winter Break" from February 7-24 to maintain
the visibility of its teams and players. Each team will
engage in various programs and activities within their
communities, and the Stanley Cup will also visit each NHL
city, including the four expansion markets, to help raise
more than $1M for local charities. Over the next week, THE
DAILY will look at some of the activities each division has
planned for Winter Break '98. Today, the PACIFIC DIVISION.
SHARKS: The Sharks have SHARKFEST, a FanFest benefiting
Sharks foundation, which includes a hockey carnival and
entertainment. It's sold out, with 1,000 $40 VIP tickets
and several thousand $10 General Session tickets; Shark
players and coaches will take Special Olympic participants
to Disneyland for a day; The team will continue its ongoing
participation in the "Reading Is Cool" book drive.
FLAMES: Annual Chamber of Commerce mixer with coaches
and players; "Skate With The Flames," fundraiser benefitting
Flames Foundation and Calgary Sun Sunshine Fund, which
includes skating, autograph/photo sessions and interactive
activities. Full-team event, minus Flames' five Olympians.
It includes a brunch with tickets at C$100; Three Flames
players take part in CALGARY HERALD FASHIONABLE FRIENDS
FASHION SHOW at Hardrock Cafe; Players visit schools for one
week for "Reading ... give it a shot" program.
OILERS: Players will visit local hospitals (full-team
event); Oilers Practice visit -- Edmonton Boys & Girls Club
Floor Hockey team to visit Coliseum; Oilers Team Clinic --
hosts a ladies hockey team for on-ice clinic; Players also
making school appearances for "Go For Goals" program.
CANUCKS: Skate For Hope: 12-hour SKATE-A-THON at GM
Place; 200 teams hope to raise $1M for charity.
KINGS: Bud Ice presents KINGS' WINTER BREAK: Canucks
Alumni vs. Kings Alumni with celebrities on each teams.
Scheduled celebs include: Kim Alexis and Scott Wolf of
"Party of Five." Post-game will feature U.S.-Canada hockey
game on JumboTron. Stanley Cup will be at event. Tix are
$6 and all proceeds go to Kings Care Foundation.
DUCKS: 4th Annual FanFair for Disney GOALS foundation
at Disneyland. 3,000 fans will attend private "carnival" at
Disneyland with Ducks players. Park will be closed to the
public. Tix cost $35. Disney GOALS is an afterschool
program for underpriveledged children; Skating session for
underpriveledged children with team following a practice;
Visits to area hospitals and schools (THE DAILY).
