Monarchs Host Annual Ace Bailey Golf Classic

(Photo: The Pink Puck)

It was a beautiful day in Bedford, NH (if not a little warm) as the Manchester Monarchs took to the links to host their annual Ace Bailey Golf Classic. Current and former hockey players with ties to the area joined teams of golfers to raise money in honor of Ace Bailey.

Ace Bailey played 568 NHL games, dressing for the Bruins, Red Wings, Blues, and Capitals. After his playing career was over, he stayed in hockey. He became the Director of Pro Scouting for the LA Kings. It was that position that he held when he was unfortunately a passenger on United Flight 175 on September 11, 2001. Since he passed away, the Monarchs have hosted an event in his honor to benefit him.

[tubepress video=”S_pD3bgvzWA”]

“It is a special honor for the Monarchs Care Foundation and our celebrity attendees to participate in this annual event in remembrance of Ace,” said Darren Abbott, President of the Monarchs.  “Ace was a special part of the Los Angeles Kings organization, in addition to the hockey community.  He had a fun-loving and jovial demeanor that touched everyone that he met.  Our tournament has raised upward of $340,000 over the last 12 years and we remain fully committed to raising money in Ace’s memory to celebrate his life and his love for children.”

[tubepress video=”HTMYx2BkIsA”]

Teams of four paid to play in the tournament and were joined by a celebrity golfer with ties to hockey, usually hockey in the area. Some of the celebrities included former Bruin and Director of the Bruins Foundation, Bob Sweeney, Monarchs Director of Hockey Operations, Hubie McDonough, former Monarchs assistant coaches, Bobby Jay and Scott Pellerin, and former Monarchs players Jeff Giuliano, Eric Healey, Patrick Mullen, Doug Nolan, Ian O’Connor, and Richard Seeley. Other celebrity golfers included Ty Conklin, Mark Mowers, Dick Lamby, Justin Soryal, Riley Wetmore, and Chad Ruhwedel.

[tubepress video=”ZR-5VX9DSJg”]

The Monarchs Foundation, the charitable arm of the Manchester Monarchs, hosted the event. The proceeds went to The Mom’s Place at Catholic Medical Center and the Ace Bailey Children’s Foundation. Both are local charities and many that came out recognize the importance of benefitting local charities.

[tubepress video=”t3ZAU9EyQK8″]

Throughout the season, the Monarchs take part in a number of local charities. In the summer, things are little more relaxed as players spread out for the off season. However, being in the off season does not stop the team from wanting to give back. They understand and appreciate the support they get from the community. It is important for them to be active members of that community between the seasons.

(Video credit: Heather Stebbins)