Every so often, a team finds a reason to come together for a purpose that transcends good sportsmanship and the game of hockey. The results of this transcendent team effort may not ever be directly known, but the belief of all who participate, is a sincere belief that they are making an impact towards finding a cure for a cause that is actually greater than the team, greater than the sport of hockey, and greater than anything they could each individually accomplish!

This past summer, the 2001 Toronto Marlboros took the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!” During our first week of our training camp at Nottawasaga Inn, the team was inspired through four different sources, to participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The first source came through Coach Mike Corrado, who was challenged by friends to take the challenge. The second to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, was Team Volunteer Dan Bodanis, who has a dear family friend suffering with ALS. The third source came as a result of one of our Fitness Training Specialists, Candace Morelli, taking the challenge, and the forth source came as a result of Coach Louie Gialedakis being ‘challenged’ by personal friends, and members of the Minor hockey community.

The first person to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, Mike Corrado, played it well! He got all the boys to soak him with ice water! The boys absolutely loved “helping” Coach Corrado, and would happily participate, ANY TIME they are called upon to soak any of the Coaches! They say that if the water is cold enough, and if there is enough water, the sensation that is felt by the person taking the ALS Ice Bucket challenge, is much akin to understanding what an actual ALS patient endures.

Our second ALS Ice Bucket Challenge required the use of a “prop!” … a pretty big prop!

With the help of the Nottawasaga Arena Manager/Zamboni operator, Jamie Hynkin and all of the 2001 Toronto Marlboros, Dan Bodanis sat right in front of a “fully loaded Zamboni,” and gave the order to “lower the boom!” Anyone who witnessed this ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, knew that something BIG was about to happen! When Jamie “lowered the boom,” Dan was doused in hundreds of gallons of Ice Water, from the Zamboni! On the video, that “comedian” that we all know and love, “Coach Louie” was heard to ask: “Was it cold? Was it cold?” It took Dan three days to thaw out!
 
On our third ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, one of our fitness specialists, Candace Morelli, took a different approach! Engaging the assistance of the entire 2001 Toronto Marlboros team, Candace came up with a grand plan, as to how to put her own unique spin on this highly worthwhile initiative! Candace asked the entire team to fill their water bottles, to the very top, with the coldest water they could find! The idea was to have the entire team douse Candace with the freezing cold water. The results of this challenge were captured in several photographs and the team had a great time, completely soaking Candace, with the coldest water imaginable!

Not to be outdone, the very next day, Coach Louie Gialedakis met the challenge and then he took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to another level! With the full support and participation of the entire 2001 Toronto Marlboros hockey team, which Coach Gialedakis considers his “extended family;”  - dressed only in shorts, t-shirts, and running shoes, the team took to centre ice, at the Nottawasaga Arena! Armed with buckets containing very cold water and lots of ice cubes, the team formed a semi-circle around Coach Gialedakis, and team mascot, Sabian Bodanis. On Gialedakis’ command, the entire 2001 Toronto Marlboros team doused themselves with buckets of ice water! Many were heard to say “that was the coldest thing I have ever experienced in my life!”  This time, Coach Gialedakis didn’t have to ask: “was it cold?” LOL!

This was a new twist on team building and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated! We encourage you to check out the YouTube video of Dan Bodanis taking the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and please make the time to check out the YouTube video of the 2001 Toronto Marlboros taking the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. There are also lots of photos you can view, of all three ALS Ice Bucket Challenges! This was a truly wonderful team building event that transcended hockey, all in support of a truly great cause… raising awareness of ALS!