The Big Rapids Pioneer’s John Raffel reports that both Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde and coach alumnus Jeff Blashill took part in a golf outing to raise funds for the Big Rapids Cardinals‘ hockey program:
Derek Lalonde, the current Red Wings coach and his predecessor Jeff Blashill, now an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning, played at the event. Lalonde and Blashill are both former FSU assistant coaches under Bob Daniels, who also played at the event along with Tim Blashill, Cardinal hockey coach and Jeff Blashill’s brother.
Tim Blashill is also the assistant athletics director for facilities and event operations at Ferris State.
“We have had it this corresponding weekend for the past few years,” Tim Blashill said. “I think they’re now planning on July 6, 2024). It is our biggest fundraiser for sure…something that keeps our program financially stable.
“We have tremendous support from our parents, local businesses, and local community. Jeff has played in it over the years. Lalonde has played in the past, but this was the first time in quite a few years, so we’re happy it worked out for him to come. This was the first year I played with my brother, and both his sons (Teddy 17 and Owen 12) so that was nice.”
