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Editor posted on May 05, 2011 07:28
 The Wings of Steel sled hockey team held its 4th annual fund raiser at Ramblewood Country Club on Friday April 29th and we were again blessed with excellent weather and the good people that attended in record numbers were amazing. With 192 golfers registered, the 27 holes were almost filled to capacity. With room for only 16 more golfers, we have something to shoot for next year. Once again we had the support of former Flyer greats Don Saleski and Bob Kelly, with WIP’s Brian Startare handling the evening festivities. This being the major fund raiser for the Wings of Steel team, much time and effort is given this outing as planning and preparations start in September.
 With a 12:30 tee off and a scramble format the winning score was -12, pretty impressive and very creative. While there might have been some magic performed on the course and particularly with the scorecard, the night was just as magical. From some great words of wisdom from former Flyer greats Don Saleski and Bob Kelly, to a moving farewell speech by departing team captain DJ Hermerka that produced a standing ovation from the 260 people in attendance. Rob Price gave the evening a classy jump start, after winning the 50/50, worth $450, Rob handed the money right back to the team, and when asked later with the economy being the way it is, Rob said, “It was the right thing to do. It was a great day for the kids.” Rob plays softball on a team sponsored by Stonhard, which also sponsored a foursome in the tournament. John Kurtz, a representative from Stonhard stated, “This is one of the best tournaments in the area. The money goes to the sled hockey team which helps them continue to have fun on the ice”.
 More ‘paying it forward’ and giving back, the generosity continued as Marty Maglio, an ice hockey official, after winning a signed Reggie Leach hockey stick, gave it to Nicolai Jewell, one of the players on the team, who also sold Marty the winning ticket. We’ve become accustomed to classy moves by the officials, as John Karcher, gave back his 50/50 two years ago, $400 to be exact. One of my most enthusiastic partners organizing this event, Norm Jones, always brings a strong contingent of referees to the outing.
Another friend of the Wings of Steel, Jerry Prigge obtained an autographed game stick from Scott Hartnell, with Joe Edwards getting the winning bid of $300 and then handing it over to Jessie Beck, another Wings of Steel player.
 The highlight of the evening is always the live auction conducted brilliantly by Startare and the magical mood was set. Toni Williamson, owner of The Pool Store, in Washington Township, who earlier this month donated an in-ground pool to the Beck family, of which 3 Beck children are members of the Wings of Steel, purchased numerous items and without hesitation gave them to various players on our team. The night ended with our last auction item a combination grill/beer cooler. Chris Riccardi another hockey ref has put the pressure on his dad each year to come up with a unique item. Last year we had a cooler on wheels with an Eagles logo on the side. This year we had a combination barbecue grill/beer cooler, which went for another $300. Many thanks to all that made this event the most successful yet and look forward to doing it all again next year.
Written by Mike Costantino
More photos coming soon
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