Hockey Night in Barrie XI announces players set to participate in charity game

Hockey Night in Barrie XI (HNIB) has released the list of players expected at this years charity game.

This year’s lineup includes former NHL players Mike Gartner, Greg Johnston, Rick Jackman, Travis Dermott and Brandon Mashinter.

The list also includes three former Barrie Colts — Daniel Tkaczuk, Darren Archibald and Andrew Mangiapane — who will make their return to the Barrie Molson Centre.

One of Canada’s top hockey players, Laura Fortino, is also scheduled to attend. The Canadian defenceman is a decorated Olympian, and has four World Championships.

“We are thrilled to be joined by such a great group of players,” HNIB chair and Barrie-Springwater-Oro Medonte MP, Alex Nuttall, said in a statement. “Without their support, this event would not be possible.”

Nuttall was announced as the chair of the annual Hockey Night in Barrie fundraiser back in May, replacing the event’s founder, former Simcoe North MPP Patrick Brown.

This year, Brown will act as honorary chair and will help organize the event.

Proceeds from this year’s game will benefit Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s neonatal intensive care unit, the Barrie Colts Community Fund, the Easter Seals and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The athletes are set to lace up for the charity game on Aug. 9 at the Barrie Molson Centre.