History

2003 All Star Hockey Classic

In 1993, Bill Allen, a hockey enthusiast and former Shrine football player, had a vision of creating an all-star hockey version of the Shriner’s twin state football game. He enlisted the help of former UVM star and NHL player John LeClair as the first coach for VT men’s team, and Charlie Holt, longtime successful head coach of the UNH Wildcats, and thus the event took shape. Bill was on the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish® Vermont soon after it began and saw this event as an opportunity to raise money for a very important cause. The first two years the game was held in Hanover, NH and ever since has been played at the University of Vermont’s Gutterson Field House. In 1998, the committee formed the first women’s event.

Since 1993, the All-Star Hockey Classic has raised almost $250,000 for Make-A-Wish® Vermont and Make-A-Wish® New Hampshire and has witnessed over 1400 players and coaches be part of this success. Everyone is a winner in this game.

Funds for the All-Star Hockey Classic, which benefits Make-A-Wish®, are developed by ticket sales, advertising in the program, merchandise sales, game day raffles, contributions and sponsorships. Vital to the success of this event are the volunteers – the driving force making it all happen.