HARTFORD, Conn – The Connecticut Whale players had a rare day off from the rink Sunday, but applied their energy to an even more important endeavor than playing hockey.
Each player bowled two games during two shifts with 220 fans at their annual Bowl-A-Thon at AMF Silver Lanes in East Hartford, raising $15,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut while signing autographs, chatting with admirers and giving the customary needle to teammates for missed shots or gutter balls. Cash Kings, a Special Olympics Windsor team of athletes, raised the most money, $1,340, to help bring the event’s 10-year total to more than $240,000.
For the scoring record, forward Jordan Owens had a high game of 211, in what he said was his first bowling since he did the Bowl-A-Thon with the then Hartford Wolf Pack two years ago. Low man was rookie right wing Scott Tanski, who had 74 but raised his arms in triumph as he happily accepted his “booby prize.” Defenseman Pavel Valentenko also was delighted to point out that he DIDN’T have the low score as in past years.
But it was all in good fun for a good cause by a bunch of good guys, who volunteer their time during the season doing the Bowl-A-Thon, Tip-A-Player dinner at the XL Center and speaking engagements at schools and charity organizations throughout the area.
“The guys really enjoy doing things like this,” said defenseman Jared Nightingale, the Whale’s AHL Man of the Year last season for his extensive charity work in the community and whose 191 was the third highest score Sunday behind Owens and goalie Cam Talbot (194). “It’s a nice way to get away from the game and into get into the community and with people who enjoy you and the team.”
One of their biggest fans is 33-year-old Jaimaine Johnson of Windsor, the globe messenger for Special Olympics Connecticut who speaks to charity groups around the state.
“I talk about track and field and bowling,” Johnson said. “My favorite is bowling, so I had a lot of fun today.”
Johnson bowled with defenseman Wade Redden and forward Mats Zuccarello, as each player earned a minimum donation of $200 for two games. There also were raffles for Whale apparel, hockey memorabilia and restaurant gift cards.
“This year’s Bowl-A-Thon was another huge success,” said Jackie Turro, director of development for Special Olympics Connecticut. “The staff at the Connecticut Whale has been incredibly supportive of our event and the Special Olympics movement. What’s great about this event is that in addition to Whale fans, many of our Special Olympics athletes are the participants. They go out and raise money on their own and get to show off their bowling skills to their favorite Whale players. All the Whale players get involved and have a great time interacting with our athletes, who look forward to this event all year long. We’re very fortunate to have such incredible support from the Connecticut Whale, from management to the players.”
Well, that about says it all. Well done to all the Whale players and administrative personnel.
By Bruce Berlet of the Connecticut Whale
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