The Manchester Monarchs, top affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, and the Monarchs Care Foundation, the organization’s charitable arm, raised nearly $43,000 on Monday at the seventh annual Ace Bailey Golf Classic, held at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford, N.H.
Proceeds from this year’s sold-out event benefit the Level II Special Care Nursery at The Mom’s Place, located at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, and The Ace Bailey Children’s Foundation.
The nursery provides an environment for parents to learn how to care for at-risk babies who are in need of additional medical attention before leaving the hospital. The Ace Bailey Children’s Foundation focuses on the well-being of children undergoing medical treatment with the establishment and improvement of programs, environments and professional services that enhance the hospital stay for children and their families.
The Monarchs Care Foundation annually hosts the tournament to celebrate the life of Garnet "Ace" Bailey and to raise funds for a worthy cause in his name. Bailey, known for his love of kids and his fun-loving attitude, served as the Kings’ director of pro scouting until his death as part of the tragic events on September 11, 2001.
The foursome from Northeast Freightways, Inc. (Philip Palker, Sean Foye, Paul Lessard and Steve Blair) and former Monarchs defenseman Doug Nolan were declared winners of the event as they shot a 58 in the best-ball 18-hole tournament.
The second place team from Poultry Products (Julien Stogniew, Blake Love, Dick Kennedy and Jon Ers) with celebrity golfer Bruce Boudreau, head coach of the Washington Capitals and NHL coach of the year, tied the team from Zurich (Jim Walsh, Dick Plunkett, Bob Mariano and Shannon Bennett), who were joined by former Boston Bruin and NHL Hall of Famer Brad Park, as both teams shot a 60 on the day.
The Ace Bailey Golf Classic annually brings together an outstanding collection of men and women who have distinguished themselves in the sport of hockey. League president and CEO Dave Andrews represented the American Hockey League at this year’s event.
"Ace was looking out for all of us as the clouds opened up and we had a beautiful day to celebrate his life on the golf course," said Monarchs senior vice president Cheryl Abbott. "Ace was a dear member of our organization and we are proud to bring everyone together to raise money for children in our community in his name."
