Press Release

They came to honour the memory of one of Elmira’s own, leaving more than $125,000 behind to help fund a new recreation complex. Hundreds of people – celebrities, golfers and volunteers – made the most of the hot and humid day that greeted the first annual Dan Snyder Memorial Golf Tournament held Tuesday (July 13) at the Elmira Golf Club.

The lineup of some 148 golfers – who each paid $500 to participate – included two members (Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair) of Canadian rock legends The Tragically Hip, and a host of NHLers, including Snyder’s former Atlanta Thrashers teammate Dany Heatley and coach Bob Hartley.

“In one word, it was awesome. The amount raised exceeded our expectations; and everyone had a great time,” said tournament director Steve Webb, noting the tournament drew golfers of all calibers – the emphasis was on fun, not the competition.

That said, “there were lots of awesome shots,” said Webb, including a performance that lead to an eagle (two strokes under par) on the first hole. Trophies – and some garish sports jackets, an ode to the Masters Tournament’s green jacket – were handed out to the top foursome. Atlanta Thrashers players Marc Savard, Andy Sutton, Chris Tamer and Garnet Excelby took that honour, shooting 14 under par in the best-ball format.

Although the day’s focus was having fun, the top-caliber athletes are naturally competitive, noted Graham Snyder, Dan’s father.

Busy acting as something of a host for the day, he didn’t play in the tournaments – “For the safety of the players out there,” he joked. The family was represented on the links by Dan’s brother Jake and uncle Jeff Snyder. Mother LuAnn and sister Erica rounded out the contingent at the club.

“It looks like everything is running smoothly. Everyone has arrived from all over the place. It promises to be a great day,” Snyder noted as the event got underway.

As had been the case since the car accident that claimed his son’s life and injured Heatley, who was at the wheel, Snyder had nothing but praise for the Thrashers’ superstar. In fact, Heatley had been staying with the family for a few days leading up to the tournament.

“They’re a great family. The support they’ve given me is tremendous,” said Heatley.

The player is always welcome, said Snyder, adding he was delighted Heatley could attend the event.

“They (the Heatley’s) wanted to do as much as possible to help us, and it was great to have them here,” Snyder said. He’s also pleased that so many Thrashers players made it to the tournament. “It was very satisfying. A lot of them came in at their own expense just to be here to support our family. And to honour Dan’s name, because they were good friends.”

Support also came from The Tragically Hip, who dedicate a song to Dan Snyder on their newly released record, In Between Evolution. Guitarist Paul Langlois and bassist Gord Sinclair came with clubs in hand, offering two area residents the chance to make up a foursome. As part of a raffle held at the Funky Rudy (the band fronted by Dan’s brother Jake Snyder) concert held at Lions Hall in Elmira on July 10, Shannon Boerner and Richard Shantz won the coveted spots.

The tournament was followed by a dinner and reception at Lions Hall, which was attended by an estimated 265 people.

The emcee for the evening was TSN hockey analyst and columnist Bob McKenzie.

“He was very gracious to donate his time,” said Webb.

The banquet was a real boon for autograph seekers. Those with pens in hand included Ben Simon, former Thrashers winger Jeff Cowan (recently traded to the L.A Kings) and coach Bob Hartley rounded out the contingent of those who knew Dan Snyder and came out for the tournament.

“It’s always a pleasure to be back in Elmira,” said Hartley. “We’re all with the Snyders and we’re going to build this rink.”

Other NHLers offering up their support included Adam Mair, Jim Connolly, Jean-Pierre Dumont and Daniel Briere from the Buffalo Sabres, and Steve Montador from the Calgary Flames.

In the awards portion of the evening, Marybeth Wideman of Elmira and Brittanny Smith of Owen Sound were presented with Dan Snyder Memorial Scholarships at the reception. The award was organized by the National Hockey League Players’ Association in conjunction with the Snyder family.

After the awards ceremony, live and silent auctions were held, featuring items of hockey memorabilia up for grabs. Line-ups were three-people thick to get a chance to bid on items.

Hot items included a 2002 Olympic Hockey jersey signed by the whole Canadian team, and a book called For the Love of the Game, which featured biographies and autographed pictures of NHL players from the past and present. The book sold for more than $1,500.

Money raised at the July 10 concert and July 13 events will go to the newly established Dan Snyder Memorial Fund. “Our objective is to kick-start fundraising for a new recreation complex in Elmira,” said Webb. “If Danny was around, he would have been behind this.”

The goal is to raise $500,000 over the next five years. “With the amount raised, we are well on our way to that goal,” he said.

Webb said the town of Elmira is behind the plan, and members of the community have responded positively to their efforts to build a new centre. “I think there is tons of support out there [in the community]. They want a new centre,” said Webb.

Graham Snyder is also pleased by the overall results of the tournament. “It was really what we set out to do. To raise some money, but also to celebrate Dan’s life, and to come together with friends and just have a good time.”