June 10th, 2009
Former Eagle Picard To Raise Money for Cancer
Cancer touches us all and most of us remember moments when it has affected us or our loved ones. For former Screaming Eagle, and current Ottawa Senators Defenseman Alexandre Picard, cancer touched him most dramatically on May 10th, 2005. After finishing the last game of his Major Junior Hockey Career, he was informed that his billet mother, Suzanne Foster had passed away during that game.
“At that moment, hockey took a backseat for me, and this powerless feeling is the reason why the Omnium Alexandre Picard exists today,” said Picard. “Whether it is a family member, a friend, or a neighbour, we’ve all been touched by one form of cancer or another”.
Alex has made a commitment to the Gatineau Cancer Foundation to raise at least $50,000 over the next two years, by hosting a Golf Tournament, to be held in Gatineau on August 14, 2009. The first tournament is dedicated to the memory of Suzanne Foster.
Along with the Screaming Eagles, his other former Quebec Major Jr. Hockey Team, the Halifax Mooseheads are involved in this endeavour. Both have autographed jerseys from their respective teams, and each will be auctioned off on E-Bay.
To view the Ebay Auction click here
A letter from Alexandre Picard
The idea behind the omnium Alexandre Picard was inspired following an important event that occurred when I was playing junior hockey. More specifically, the first edition of this tournament is dedicated to Madame Suzanne Foster. Suzanne was a second mother to me while I was playing for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Suzanne, along with her husband Stephen, and her sons Andrew and Geoffrey, welcomed me into their Nova Scotia home with arms wide open. Unfortunately, my stay in this family was cut short when Suzanne was diagnosed with cancer. For the next year and a half, she battled night and day trying to beat this disease, until the cancer ultimately spread and Suzanne finally lost her battle.
I will always remember the last junior game of my career. It was May 10th 2005 and we were facing the Rimouski Océanic in the QMJHL final. We lost the President Cup that game but it was nothing compared to what was awaiting me after the game. As soon as I came off the ice, I found out the sad news that Suzanne had past away during the game. At that moment, hockey took a backseat for me, and this powerless feeling is the reason why the omnium Alexandre Picard exists today.
The tournament will be held on Friday, August 14th 2009 at the Tecumseh Golf Club, located at 475, rue St-Louis in Gatineau. The proceeds will be donated to the Gatineau CSSS Foundation. The event will be played under a shotgun format and after the round of golf, dinner will be served, followed by a silent auction. Many door prizes and gifts will also be given out during the event. Radio broadcaster, Michel Langevin will be entertaining the guests throughout the night.
I have made a commitment to the Gatineau CSSS Foundation and the Gatineau Hospital to raise at least $50,000 over the next two years. Whether it is a family member, a friend or a neighbour, we’ve all been touched by one form of cancer or another. This is why I invite you to be part of the first annual omnium Alexandre Picard to help me reach my goal and hopefully, exceed it. What a great opportunity to spend a nice summer day while participating in something that really matters to all of us.
I hope to see you on August 14th, 2009.
Alexandre Picard
