The charity hockey game will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, at the Nelson Center in Springfield’s Lincoln Park. As usual, Bishop Paprocki will be playing goalie.
This year’s hockey game will benefit Catholic Charities Legal Services (CCLS) program. The newly-established program was pioneered by Bishop Paprocki and assists low income individuals in obtaining pro bono legal assistance for civil matters from area lawyers in specialized fields. Funds raised at the benefit game will help to offset the program’s operating expenses.
CCLS program director Amy Maher is pleased about the charity hockey game. “As an attorney, I always knew there was a need for more services to help people of limited means with legal issues, but I have been surprised at the number of people who have contacted us for help since we started just over a month ago.
“The funds raised at this event will help us get the foundation in place to make sure we build a strong and effective program,” she said. “I am looking forward to this challenge and truly appreciate the support of Bishop Paprocki and our volunteer attorneys.”
Bishop Paprocki is known for being passionate about the law and creating access to quality legal representation for the poor. In 1982, shortly after graduating from DePaul University law school and being admitted to the Illinois Bar, he co-founded the Chicago Legal Clinic, which has provided legal assistance to over 250,000 people in the Chicago area.
As an avid hockey player, Bishop Paprocki has made many friends in the sport. This year, playing with him at the charity hockey game will be NHL record holder and Chicago Blackhawk alum Grant “Granny” Mulvey, a few players from the Chicago area and more than two dozen local players.
Mulvey holds the record for most goals in a single game — five — which he set in 1982 while also tying a NHL record for the most goals in a single period, four. He retired in 1984 after a 10-year professional hockey career but has remained active in participating in charity events and in giving back to his community.
“We usually have around 30 players total and they range in age from 16 to 60,” said Tim Healy, a Blessed Sacrament parishioner and long-time hockey player who has volunteered to help organize the Springfield event. Players make a donation to play in the game, he said, adding, “In dividing the teams I try to make them equal so we can have a competitive game.”
The Springfield Figure Skating Club will also be performing a short choreographed routine during the first intermission of the game.
Steven Roach, Catholic Charities executive director, said he invites the Springfield community to support the fundraiser. “Not only will you be supporting a great cause, but you will be treated to some very exciting hockey showcasing local talent.”
Tickets for this year’s game are $5 per person and will be available at the door on the night of the game. For more information on CCLS, contact Amy Maher at (217) 523-9201, ext. 320.