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It's a beautiful day
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Steelhound #39, Jason Baird
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Chrysa Kovach, 17, and her brother Beau Kovach, 15, wait in line for a marker to sign a banner which will serve as Baird's birthday card a the Jason Baird Fundraiser Sunday, August 24, 2008.
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Coach Kevin Kaminski signs the banner that will serve as Baird's Birthday card at the Jason Baird Fundraiser Sunday, August 24, 2008 at the Chevrolet Centre.
By Tom Williams
Charity game raises money for Jason Baird
22“It’s a beautiful day to know that this is all taking place,” Mrs. Baird said. “That’s amazing — Jason brought hockey back to Youngstown for a day.”
Approximately 1,000 hockey fans traded Sunday afternoon’s steamy heat for the arena’s frosty chills to see former Youngstown SteelHounds mix with Mahoning Valley Phantoms, former Pittsburgh Penguins and even a current NHL player (New Jersey’s Mike Rupp) in a charity game to raise money for Jason Baird’s medical expenses.
In July, Baird suffered burns over 60 percent of his body in a lawnmower accident. The former SteelHounds winger, who was traded here last fall from the Corpus Christi Rayz, is recovering in the Akron Burn Center and is expected to be there until October.
The charity exhibition gave SteelHounds fans one last chance to see Chris Richards, Jeff Alcombrack, Andy Franck, Ryan Bennett, Bryan Lachapelle, Jason Spence and Adam Smyth skate.
Also playing was former SteelHounds coach Kevin Kaminski.
On June 2, the SteelHounds were banished from the Central Hockey League and the franchise is dormant.
“This was pretty neat,” Richards said of the fans’ response. “I wasn’t sure what to expect when we got out there. It brought back a lot of good memories.”
Richards, who has skated once a week since the season ended, said participating “was an easy decision for every guy is the room.
“Jason is a good friend to all of us even though he came here just last year,” said Richards, who has decided to play for the Rayz this fall. “Behind the scenes was the tough part and I think they did an excellent job.”
After the exhibition, Cindy Piedra, president of the SteelHounds’ Booster Club, said $34,000 was raised from ticket sales and auctions. Believe it or not, Kaminski’s jersey sold for more ($1,300) than a signed Sidney Crosby jersey ($1,100).
Jordan Klucinec, owner of the Draught House, donated $3,500 to pay for the ice.
In the game, Baird’s Backers rallied from an early 3-0 deficit to defeat Jason’s Generals, 14-10, with Lachapelle scoring four goals for the winners.
Needless to say, checking was limited, creating a busy afternoon for goaltenders Franck and Kris Tebbs (Rayz).
Asked if the game was similar to an all-star game, Franck said, “Not even. Alcombrack and a few of the Phantoms were the only [defensemen].”
The winning team’s goalie, Franck said he’s been working with synthetic ice and hadn’t been on real ice since the SteelHounds were ousted in the CHL playoffs in March.
“So when I stepped on the ice, I was a little off-kilter,” said Franck who will play for the CHL’s Oklahoma City Blazers. “After the first period, I felt better.
“It’s unfortunate that we’re here for this reason, but it’s good that everyone was able to take some time to come down here for the game.”
Also taking part were former Penguins Phil Bourque, Troy Loney and Mark Kachowski. But stealing some of the spotlight was Baird’s wbrother Joey, who scored four goals in a losing effort.
“Joey plays senior league back home [in Ontario],” Mrs. Baird said. “He’s doing pretty good, isn’t he?”
Baird corrected his sister-in-law.
“No, I’m a beer league player,” Joey Baird said. “This has been pretty fun, playing where my brother played with a bunch of the [same] guys. It’s been a good day for my brother.”
Among those attending were nurses caring for Baird.
Mrs. Baird said being at ice level before the game “and looking at everybody, that was just priceless. I can’t wait for the day when Jason is beside me able to thank everybody for being here.”
After the game, she read a message from her husband to the fans to thank the organizers.
“To the Draught House and the Booster Club, [it’s] guaranteed that you will see me again,” Baird’s message said.
Of Bethany, Kaminski said, “She is so strong. We like to think of hockey players as being tough, but she has been absolutely phenomenal.”
williams@vindy.com