NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH STORM
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The Guelph Storm are proud to announce that they will host their second annual ‘Pevs Protects Night’ presented by Linamar on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, when the Storm take on divisional rivals, the Erie Otters at 7:30 p.m. at the Sleeman Centre.
PEVS PROTECTS was developed by former National Hockey League forward and Guelph, Ontario native Rich Peverley, and his family, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke foundation. The partnership aims to raise awareness and funds for AED purchases and CPR training right here in the City of Guelph.
On Feb. 24, volunteers will be on hand at Gate 6 collecting donations in support of Pevs Protects and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Information tables and a CPR and AED demonstration area will also be a part of the game night.
The first 1,000 fans will get a free Pevs Protects t-shirt courtesy of Linamar. There will also be a ‘Chuck-a-Puck’ contest, taking place during the second intermission. Prizes include authentic autographed NHL jerseys from:
- Jamie Benn – Dallas Stars
- Pekka Rinne – Nashville Predators
- Patrick Sharp – Dallas Stars
- Johnny Boychuk – New York Islanders
- And a luxury suitcase
Throughout the game, Rich will be engaging in a Meet-and-Greet and photo opportunity with fans.
Pevs Protects Nights in other arenas this season include Feb. 27, in Kitchener in the next edition of the Highway Seven rivalry. As well as, Pevs Protects Day in Dallas, TX as the Stars welcome the Boston Bruins in NHL action at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Peverley played minor hockey for the Guelph Reps (now the Jr. Gryphons). Drafted in the 6th round by the Mississauga IceDogs of the OHL, Peverley chose the NCAA.
He spent four years with the St. Lawrence University hockey team before signing his first NHL contract in 2007 with the Nashville Predators. Rich spent eight seasons in the NHL as a member of the Predators, Atlanta Thrashers, Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars.
On March 10, 2014, Peverley suffered a severe cardiac incident that led to his collapse on the bench in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, March 10, 2014. His cardiac arrest incident ultimately led to his retirement from playing professional hockey at the age of 31.
Rich remains a member of the Stars organization as a Player Development Coordinator, monitoring the development of drafted Stars’ prospects and assisting in the coordination of Dallas summer Development Camp.
Up to 40,000 cardiac arrests occur each year in Canada which equates to one every 13 minutes. The majority (up to 85 per cent) of cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals, in public places or in homes.
Current Survival rates are very low as it is estimated that only 5 per cent of Canadians survive a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Fast CPR and AED use within the first minutes doubles the chance of survival which is why awareness and education around this important topic is crucial.
About the Heart and Stroke Foundation
The Heart and Stoke Foundation’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery. A volunteer-based health charity, we strive to tangibly improve the health of every Canadian family, every day. ‘Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen’.
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