Young Thunder Bay residents wanting to learn what it takes to become a professional hockey athlete are invited to find out, with the help of a few local NHL players, at a special training clinic on August 22. 

PRO Kids’ Training With a Pro: The Hockey Edition is back for its third year, offering children and youth – between the ages of five and 15 – a chance to meet, exercise and train with their idols. 

This year, three of Thunder Bay’s favourite hockey pros will be featured in one clinic. St. Louis Blues’ Robert Bortuzzo, Buffalo Sabres’ Carter Hutton and Ottawa Senators’ Tom Pyatt will partake in a two-hour clinic, assisted by up-and-coming local hockey players and trainers from Thrive Strength & Wellness. The clinic will consist of stations run by each pro, allowing participants to meet all three athletes. 

Hutton, a returning NHL player, said he looks forward to being a part of the PRO Kids’ clinic again this summer and in the future. 

“PRO Kids is a great program that I proudly support and stand behind,” said Hutton. “Personally, my life has revolved around sports whether it was hockey, baseball, soccer or golf. I was fortunate enough to play, so being able to help kids who are financially limited means a lot to me. I learned many life skills through sports like teamwork, commitment and leadership, and I developed many friendships that I still carry to this day.” 

All proceeds raised will go to PRO Kids – a local non-profit responsible for annually placing 1,440 local children and youth facing financial barriers to recreational activities. 

How to register: Registration is currently open at a cost of $50 for each participant. The clinic will run 6 pm – 8 pm on Wednesday, August 22. The clinic’s location will be disclosed during registration. Call 625-8463 to register! 

The City of Thunder Bay and PRO Kids recognize and thank Tbaytel for returning as the event’s presenting sponsor. 

For more information, visit prokidsthunderbay.ca.

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Contacts:     Laura Daniele, PRO Kids Coordinator, 625-3212, ldaniele@thunderbay.ca

Ally Drombolis, PRO Kids Marketing & Fundraising Assistant, 625-2340 adrombolis@thunderbay.ca