Princess Wenonah Capt. Guy Parks gave everyone a smooth ride. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar) Icehawks Launch Season With A Cruise
August 29, 2010
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The Tri City Icehawks Junior B hockey team launched their upcoming season in style. Hosting a dinner cruise on the Princes Wenonah, guests were treated to a great meal, music, dancing, table side magic show and a beautiful night on the Saginaw Bay. The evening was part of a Meet Your Icehawks event that allowed the public to get to know these fine young men and embrace the fun that is Icehawks hockey.
Under clear skies and warm temperatures with that gentle breeze, owners Art Jr. and Colleen Dore ordered anchors away and the evening was underway. Captain Guy Parks guided the double decked vessel down the river toward the bay as guests experienced the "raising of the bridges" from a ships perspective.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Soon dinner was served catered by the Atrium and served by Ashley Bowker featuring savory chicken, redskin potatoes and desserts to die for. My special favorite was the lemon squares and turtle cheese cake.
Throughout the evening, guests were entertained at table side and on the upper deck by magician Jason Jewell. A new father of a baby boy, Jack Spade Jewell, Jason flawlessly performed such tricks as the connecting rings, suspended spinning driver's licenses of guests, as well as numerous tricks with cards. Originally from Las Vegas, he has taken his craft to Bay City and was well worth watching. Young and old alike were thoroughly entertained by his talents.
As the evening progressed, a silent auction was conducted on the main deck with items donated by various businesses and fans in the area. All proceeds from the evening goes to benefit the Icehawks players. Judging by the flurry of activity around the tables, there were many nice items to choose from.
But the Guests of Honor were the Icehawks players. While end of the summer obligations prevented all of this year's players from joining the crew, the public was able to meet several of the players. So let's meet some of those players:
Dean Potila: a senior at Standish-Sterling high school, he is a returning Icehawk. He plays center and wing and hopes that his Icehawk experience with lead him to play in college. Currently on Northern Michigan University and Tulane's radar, Dean plans on majoring in architecture and/or engineering.
Jae Pennicooke: one of the younger members of this year's team, he is a sophomore at Bay City Central high school. He hopes to use this year's experience to not only further his career in hockey through the instructions and higher level of competition, but looks for an opportunity to continue playing in college. He also would really love to win a national championship.
Justin Lacy: Justin attends Delta College where he is working on a major in Business Administration and Sports Management. A talented local player at both defense and forward, his current plans are to continue his collegiate career at Northwood University.
Chase Dore: son of Art and Colleen Dore, he joins the Icehawks after playing past season in the Junior A programs. Last season he played for a Junior team in Boston. He plans on attending Delta College in the winter semester and hopes of obtaining an opportunity to continue his career in college.
Alex Montegano: a graduate of Walled Lake Central High School, he was directed to the Icehawks by his goaltender coach. He currently is attending Oakland Community College and will be commuting to Bay City from Wixom. His goals are to progress to the Junior A level as well as catching the eye of a college program.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
While the purpose of the evening was to meet and support our local players and team, the cruise took on a more personal and special meaning for Art Dore Jr. and his family with the recent passing of his grandmother, Dorothy Maes. Dedicating the cruise in her honor, Dorothy's daughter, Shirley Dore was joined by family members in remembering her mother, saying a prayer and reflecting on her life as she tossed a wreath of flowers at sea in her honor.
The evening continued with merriment as guests danced to the DJ tunes in the back of the deck while many others just enjoyed a gorgeous boat ride onto the bay. Mother Nature did her part with a wonderfully colorful sunset, gentle breezes and cloudless skies giving way to bountiful stars. It was a great combination of activities to suit everyone's taste from romantic or just serenity up front, to a more lively activity and dancing in back or just pleasant relaxing conversation below. It was a great sendoff to the 2010 Icehawks hockey season.
The Icehawks players are still in need of families who are willing to provide housing for the upcoming season. For more information on this program, contact Colleen Dore at 989-493-1565.
The Icehawks open their season against the Michigan Cats at the Ice Mountain Arena in Burton, Michigan on Friday, September 10 at 7 pm.
Home Opener for the Icehawks at the Bay County Civic Area is Sunday, September 12 at 12 noon. Come join this season's fun. And look for next years Dinner Cruise; it is a great evening for all.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
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