Chipping in an assist for Fallen Officer O'Rourke Charity Hockey Game

December 21, 2012

Compuware Arena - Plymouth, Michigan

The Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association and the Joe Kocur Foundation for Children teamed up with the Heroes in Blue, a group of local police officers, for a charity hockey game at Compuware Arena in Plymouth that raised more than $120,000 for the O'Rourke family trust.  Joe Kocur presented a check for more than $100,000 to Amy O'Rourke, the wife of Patrick O'Rourke, a 12-year veteran of the West Bloomfield Police Department who was shot and killed in the line of duty Sept. 9.  Joe Kocur said "We're lucky. It was a perfect storm for us. We have no (NHL) hockey. We had an absolutely stunning lineup. ... and we had a tragedy that we all rallied around to help a family in need. Hopefully we can give them a better Christmas."

Ron Mann and Chris Baker present the O'Rourke Family a check for the proceeds of the game.

The Detroit Moose volunteered in supporting the event at the request of Joe Kocur and Ron Mann Co-founders of the Joe Kocur Foundation for Children.  Players and family members assisted in monitor VIP seating areas and selling 50/50 tickets during the game.  Moose Alternate Captain Steve Cloutier (#5) "The event was a great success.  It was great to be a part of giving back.  To be able to give back to a family that paid the ultimate price while protecting the community leaves you speechless."

The Joe Kocur Foundation for Children and the Detroit Red Wing Alumni are great role models for giving it all on and off the ice.  It is great to be able to help them in any way we can.  The Detroit Moose are looking forward to its next opportunity of playing the Red Wing Alumni to pay it forward in the community.