Fuhr won’t shut out charity tournament
Grant Fuhr might be a five-time Stanley Cup winner and a seven-time All-Star but, as far as he is concerned, Joe Carter and his charity event is worthy of the brightest spotlight.
The former hockey goaltender, best known for his career with the Edmonton Oilers, has participated in the Joe Carter Classic at least four or five times and planned his return this year.
“It’s always a great event,” says Fuhr. “And it’s always fun to come back to Toronto.”
This year marks the 9th annual Joe Carter Classic Golf Tournament, which pairs avid golfers with celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds. All proceeds from the tournament go to help kids in need. In fact, since its inception in 2010, the event has raised $2.5 million, which benefits the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, as well as other children’s charities. Fuhr says, in the past, the event has seen him golf with corporate executives from wellknown brands including Nike and Air Canada. “You never know who you are going to be paired up with,” says Fuhr. “That’s part of the fun. You get to meet new people.”
He also says the event has awarded him the opportunity to meet other athletes that he, too, admires and wouldn’t have had the chance to meet otherwise.
“I have met guys that I have watched on TV, like (basketball stars) Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and other elite athletes,” says Fuhr. “And, thanks to the event, these people have turned into my friends. I’ve been pretty lucky.”
While Fuhr says he has the time of his life every time he attends the Joe Carter Classic, he says the best part about participating is helping the kids.
“Education is very important,” he says. “Participating in sports is also important. It steers youth in the right direction. I think growing up, you learn values from sport. You learn teamwork. You learn to respect your opponents,” he says. “Anytime you can help give back and have fun, it’s worth coming back.”
But just because the event is for charity, doesn’t mean Fuhr isn’t prepared to bring his best game. In anticipation of the tournament, Fuhr says he’s been playing some golf in Palm Desert, Calif.
“Hockey and golf are similar,” he says. “As a goalie, you have to concentrate for hours. The hand-eye co-ordination in both sports is pretty similar.”
Other than that, Fuhr says he’s been keeping busy attending other charity events and, in the winter, he works as director of a golf course in California.
Even with his busy schedule, he says he’ll always make time for the Joe Carter Classic and would encourage other athletes to do the same.
“I was lucky enough to play a game for a living and it’s an honour to be able to give back.”