I spent the whole game in the penalty box!

My love of photography takes me to all kinds of places and events in Greater Sudbury.

I like to observe and document our daily lives, and I like to see how we, as a community, come together for the benefit of others. To me, documenting an event is like watching a movie; you have a general idea of how it is going to go, but you only get to see it play out as it unfolds in front of you. It's exciting because you never know what will happen and you have to be prepared for the unexpected.

I found myself in a penalty box at a big hockey game on Saturday, Feb. 25, but it wasn't for fighting, cross-checking or elbowing.

You see, I was invited to take photographs at the annual NHL Alumni vs. Law Enforcement All-Stars benefit game held at the Garson Arena to raise money for Special Olympics Ontario with The Law Enforcement Torch Run. I was quite excited to capture some great moments between former NHL players and local players consisting of men who work in the law enforcement field.

Before the game, I watched as Mayor Marianne Matichuk took part in the opening ceremony.

Afterwards, she, former NHLer Todd Harvey and 14-year-old Brady Arseneault headed out onto the ice where Brady was given the prestigious honour of dropping the puck to start the game. Mayor Matichuk and Todd Harvey then presented Brady with an autographed NHL Alumni Jersey. I could see his big smile from 100 feet away.

The next day, Brady told his mother, "It was the best birthday of my life!"

Brady previously swam in the in the Special Olympics, but lately has been playing floor hockey in a league for the Special Olympics, a sport which his mother says he loves. 

As the players were being introduced onto the ice, I was surprised to see a female goalie among the NHL Alumni teammates. Guest goalie and NHL Alumni Intern and tour co-ordinator, 22-year-old Lisa Plenderleith from Ajax, Ont., fiercely protected the net during the third period.

She told me she has been playing hockey at an elite level since the tender age of eight. To add to her achievements, she played on Team Ontario at the 2007 Winter Games, along with Sudbury native Rebecca Johnston (who went on to win a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics).

The game official, Dave Hutchison, former defenceman who played with four NHL teams in his hockey career, entertained the crowd as he provided light-hearted commentary from the ice during the game.

The NHL Alumni team consisted of many Hall of Famers and Stanley Cup winners, amongst them Mike Krushelnyski, Rick Vaive, Mark Laforest, and Conn Smythe trophy winner Reggie Leach. It was great to see locals Troy Crowder and Dale McCourt.

Guest coach and game ambassador, Walter Gretzky, spent about three hours in the lobby graciously signing autographs and taking pictures with excited fans. After the game, he signed my program, a memento that will be cherished for a long time.

Mr. Gretzky is best known for being Wayne's dad; however, he is also well-known for his contributions to minor hockey in Canada and for his charity work. I watched as the 73-year-old Order of Canada recipient signed autograph after autograph, and repeatedly took off his glasses and stood up to pose with everyone who wanted to capture the meeting with their camera.

The penalty box proved to be the best seat in the house. I was so close to the action on the ice that I could feel the wind created when the players skated by, as they vied for control of the puck and, at times, I felt like I was involved in the game!

I was thrilled after the game when both teams posed while I took a group photo and captured the memory forever.

It was a close game with a final score of 13-12 for the NHL Alumni team, but the real winners, along with the fans in attendance, are those participating in the Special Olympics.

It was truly wonderful to see so many people in attendance and folks of all ages coming together, through their love of hockey, to aid a great cause. I know everyone that had a hand in bringing this fundraising event to Sudbury must have felt a sense of pride afterwards at its success.

If you would like to see the photos I took at the game, visit www.janetyoungphotography.com.

Janet Young is an amateur photographer who likes to share community events with Sudburians.