Wendel Clark hosts Sports & Stars

Legendary Toronto Maple Leafs tough-guy Wendel Clark will help celebrate the success of Sudbury Sports Magazine at a Sept. 11 event.

The retired NHLer is the guest speaker at Sports & Stars, a signature event being hosted by the magazine at the Caruso Club.

The former Leafs captain played 13 of his 15 NHL seasons with Toronto and was idolized by thousands of hockey fans. Selected first overall in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft by the Leafs, Clark also spent time playing for the Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lighting, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.

Although Sudbury Sports Magazine has been around since March 2013, it never had an official launch in the community. Sports & Stars is the perfect way to recognize the milestone.

A limited number of VIP tickets will be sold to those interested in getting up close and personal with Clark at a private meet-and-greet prior to the gala.

The event also includes a beer tasting, live entertainment and an auction of special autographed merchandise from celebrities and athletes, such as boxing gloves signed by Justin Trudeau, a soccer ball signed by the Canadian Men’s National Team, autographed Bobby Orr merchandise, and a pair of pink heels owned by ET Canada host, Cheryl Hickey.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Sudbury, an organization which is committed to the healthy development of children in need and their families through the provision of quality mentoring relationships and other related programs.

The organization's executive director, Chantal Gladu, said the funds will be used to bolster its outdoor activity programs.

The event is set for Sept. 11 at the Caruso Club. Tickets for the reception are $50, VIP tickets, which include a meet-and-greet with Clark, are $100. Limited VIP tickets are available. The VIP event starts at 5:30 p.m., while the main event begins at 6 p.m.

To reserve your tickets, phone 705-673-5667 ext. 336 or visit sudburysportsmag.ca/sportsandstars.

Be sure to check out the September/October issue of Sudbury Sports Magazine, due out Sept. 3, for a quick Q and A with Clark.