Fans picture the Stanley Cup at CU fund-raising event

From left, April Pettee, her husband, Wesley, and their daughter, Jacqueline, pose with the Stanley Cup and former Cornell hockey star Joe Nieuwendyk '86 of the NHL's New Jersey Devils, July 12, in Lynah Rink. Frank DiMeo/University Photography

By Blaine P. Friedlander Jr.

About 3,000 local hockey fans crowded into Lynah Rink July 11 for a fund-raising event to help support an injured Cornellian, see the Big Red alumni hockey game, cheer a former Cornell athletics hero and view sports' most-famous trophy -- the Stanley Cup.

Cornell alumnus Joe Nieuwendyk '86, a National Hockey League star player with the champion New Jersey Devils, brought the Stanley Cup to Lynah Rink to help raise money for former Big Red hockey player Mike Tallman '90, who sustained a serious spinal cord injury in a pick-up hockey game April 24. The Lynah Rink event raised about $12,600 for the Tallman Family Fund.

During the event, which also featured the annual alumni hockey game, fans poured into Lynah Rink awaiting their chance for a precious few seconds with the NHL's famous cup. For almost four hours, people of all ages donated to get their pictures taken with Nieuwendyk, one of Cornell's most notable former hockey players, and the cup.

Katy Birtcher '05, an English major, epitomized the enthusiasm of fans viewing the cup. "It's the Holy Grail, I finally saw the Holy Grail," she said. "It was such a rush getting the picture."

Said Anthony Ramirez '04, who waited with friends for his opportunity: "The line was long, but the wait wasn't too bad. It was not as long as the line is to get Cornell season tickets."

During the intermission of the alumni game, which ended tied at 13, Cornell men's hockey head coach Mike Schafer introduced Tallman and Nieuwendyk. Schafer explained that the night's proceeds would be used at the Tallman family's discretion to cover expenses such as rehabilitation, a wheelchair and home renovations to accommodate the wheelchair.

Tallman, who received a standing ovation, thanked the Big Red crowd for its support, thanked Nieuwendyk for his friendship and kindness, and thanked Schafer and his family, saying, "Mike is one of the greatest human beings I've ever met."

For Tallman Family Fund information, view the Web site: http://www.tallmanfund.com.