Eagles, Rage to Play Preseason Benefit Game for Borsheim
LOVELAND, Colo. – The Colorado Eagles and Rocky Mountain Rage announced today that they will play a preseason game on Wednesday, October 8 at the Budweiser Events Center (puck-drop, 7:05) with all proceeds going to the Les Borsheim Recovery Fund. Tickets for the event will be $15 and available to the public on September 20; Eagles season-ticket holders will have first right of refusal on their tickets through September 15.
The benefit game will include a silent auction set up on the concourse, special jerseys (to be auctioned off at a later date), a video message from Borsheim who is currently rehabbing at the world-renowned Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Denver and much more. For the Eagles, the game will take the place of the usual intra-squad match held at the Greeley Ice Haus each preseason.
“We're rivals on the ice, but when it comes to the situation Les faces right now, you set all that aside. We're happy to be involved and to play a small part in his recovery,” said Rage Head Coach and General Manager Tracy Egeland. “It will be a meaningful game for all of our players, as well, and I know Eagles fans will pack the house and raise a ton of money.”
The game is just another example of the support Borsheim has received from the hockey community and Northern Colorado in particular. Support for Borsheim has come from across the continent, and has been described by his family as ‘overwhelming.’ It has been centered in Northern Colorado and Oklahoma City – the two regions Borsheim called home while playing in the CHL. Former teammate, and Captain of the Oklahoma City Blazers, Tyler Fleck has created a Web site (www.TeamBorsheim.com) where well-wishers can go to leave comments, get updates on Borsheim and even donate money toward his recovery through many different avenues (pure donations or through the purchase of t-shirts, photos and auction items). Several other hockey and non-hockey organizations have lent their support through those methods.
In addition, Old Chicago recently held a benefit dinner, donating 15 percent of an evening’s sales to the Les Borsheim Recovery Fund, and Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club in Windsor will be host to a celebrity golf tournament on September 5 with all proceeds benefiting Borsheim. Several Colorado Avalanche players will be participating in the event as celebrities.
“Team Borsheim is a family that continues to grow,” said Eagles President and General Manager Chris Stewart. “Hockey really is a brotherhood and we’ve seen the support for Les come from every level – the NHL, AHL, ECHL and CHL. The support truly is amazing, and one of those things that takes your breath away.”
The Les Borsheim Recovery Fund was established to help Les and his family pay for the treatments involved in his recovery from his June 1 motorcycle accident. Borsheim, a former Colorado Eagles player, was seriously injured while traveling on Weld County Road 60 ½ before being air-lifted to a local hospital and undergoing surgery to help stabilize his neck following the accident. Since then, Borsheim has battled to re-gain small movements while building the strength and endurance necessary to gain entry into the world-renowned Craig Rehabilitation Hospital; Borsheim was admitted to Craig on Tuesday, August 5.
In addition to linking their Web site (www.coloradoeagles.com) to TeamBorsheim, the Eagles are currently holding auctions through their site to help raise money for Borsheim. Several of the high-end items up for bid – some of which were donated by other CHL teams as well – are from current and former NHL stars.
For more information, or to help Les Borsheim, please contact the Colorado Eagles or visit www.TeamBorsheim.com.
