Boston College Athletics
Comm Ave Classic Raises $55,250
July 10, 2015 | Men's Hockey
PHOTO ALBUM (Facebook)
BOSTON - The rivalry between Boston College and Boston University hit the ice again on Friday, July 10, for the First Annual Comm Ave Charity Classic. The longtime rivals faced off in front of a raucous crowd at Walter Brown Arena on Boston University’s campus.
The event raised more than $55,000, with all proceeds benefiting Compassionate Care ALS, in honor of Ron Perryman, Pete Frates, Dick Kelley and all those affects by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
The concept for the Comm Ave Charity Classic began in late 2014 when former Boston College Eagles’ hockey captain, Pat Mullane ‘13, was inspired by Kelley, BC’s own Sports Information Director, and his notable fight against ALS. Like many student-athletes at Boston College, Mullane was fortunate to develop a great friendship with Kelley, who served as mentor, role model, and most importantly a friend to everyone he met. Kelley lost his battle with ALS in February of 2014.
As the Boston College community mourned the death of Kelley, another Eagle continued his own battle with ALS. Former Boston College baseball captain Pete Frates was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2012 and continues the fight. While their paths never crossed at BC, Mullane heard countless stories about Frates’ passion for baseball, his family, and his friends.
Mullane teamed up with former Boston College hockey player Andrew Orpik ’09, who spent two years at BC with Frates and developed a friendship with Kelley, to initiate the first annual Comm Ave Charity Classic.
The charity game featured current and former NHL and AHL stars representing the Eagles and Terriers. The Terriers ended up on top, 7-5, with Eagles’ tallies from Bill Arnold, Kevin Hayes, Patrick Brown, Brian Gibbons and Johnny Gaudreau.
For more information on the event, visit ccals.org.
