Coach Al Sims and captain Colin Chaulk retired, and now so has the goaltender who backstopped them to four championships between 2008 and 2012.The final monies have been paid and it's time to say a big thank you -- to the athletes, sports teams, leagues, fans and bidders -- that made the Ice Chips for Aurora auction a success.
Just over $5,000 was raised for the Colorado Organization for Victims Assistance, which is in the trenches dealing with the fallout from the tragic movie-theater shootings in Aurora, Colo., in July.
Without making a single phone call, I was able to mobilize people from across the continent for this great cause, using text messages, Twitter, Facebook and emails.
Athletes shipped me autographed items, such as hockey sticks and jerseys, on their own dimes. Leagues such as the NHL and ECHL sent me memorabilia. Even bestselling author Sara Gruen ("Water for Elephants") chipped in.
And the most amazing part was the fans, who gave valuable keepsakes out of their own collections, asking for nothing in return.
Sixty items were auctioned off, the most money ($400) going for the mask of longtime Komets rival Larry Sterling.
The experience was truly gratifying.
But we're not done with the giving. Check here tomorrow to learn about the next charitable endeavor I'm undertaking, along with the Komets' players, and I assure you that you will get a kick out of seeing the looks on our faces (hint, hint) as we raise money for another great cause.
As for tonight's game against the Gwinnett Gladiators, the referee is Frederic Leblanc. Hope he got some rest last night; we could be in for more fireworks after the game-closing line brawl in the Gladiators' 4-2 victory Friday night.
