On the ice, Ryane Clowe has a knack for galvanizing his team at the critical moment. So it’s no wonder that when he saw an opportunity to do the same thing with a group of his colleagues for an altogether different cause, the Sharks assistant captain proved to be an invaluable leader yet again.

The Clowe, Purcell & Friends Golf Classic is a fundraiser hosted annually by Clowe and fellow NHL forward, Teddy Purcell of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Every offseason, the two natives of St. John’s, Newfoundland convert from rivals to teammates to help raise money for the community they share. This offseason, their “Friends” consisted of fellow NHL veterans Luke Adam (BUF), Jason Demers (SJS), Colin Greening (OTT), Vincent Lecavalier (TBL), Ryan Malone (TBL), Ryan O’Reilly (COL), Adam Pardy (BUF), Michael Ryder (DAL) and James Sheppard (SJS) among others. Pulling such a talented team together, Clowe was able to help raise over $120,000 for this year’s event, which took place in late July.

The R.E.A.L. program serves as the main beneficiary of the event and supports disadvantaged youth of the St. John’s area, providing them with opportunities to be active.

“It’s for underprivileged kids who can’t afford to play sports,” said Clowe in sharing the program’s directive. “But, it can be anything. It could be a little girl who wants to play piano. It provides their equipment for transportation. It takes care of underprivileged kids who otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to get involved in activities.”

Clowe’s desire to give back to the youth of his community is evident in his desire to build the golf fundraising event each year. The Clowe, Purcell & Friends Classic has topped its fundraising total from each of its previous years, every year, to raise nearly $400,000 over four years.

One would think with such a successful event paired with the relaxation of golf, Clowe would be able to enjoy a round himself. However, that’s not exactly at the top of the event headliner’s mind.

“I only played a couple holes at the end of the day,” admitted Clowe. “Me and Teddy will go jump in a golf cart and go around to every team. There are 36 teams. We’ll take a group photo with every team and after we’re done with that, we’ll go out and play a few holes with a group. It’s not really about the golf; it’s more about interacting with everyone and thanking everyone for getting involved.

Sharks Foundation
On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the San Jose Sharks will host the Sharks Foundation Golf Classic presented by Silver Creek Sportsplex. It is the largest fundraiser of the Sharks Foundation and is the only event of its kind to feature the Sharks roster of players, as well as coaching staff, alumni, broadcasters, and other local celebrities.

Fresh off of hosting his own tournament, Clowe says the Sharks Foundation Golf Classic presented by Silver Creek Sportsplex always comes at a fun time, bringing the whole team back together after the Summer.

“You’ve always got a few guys on the bubble trying to make the team,” said Clowe. “It’s fun to see them get involved with something as a team event. We enjoy it.”

Clowe revealed that part of the reason he looks forward to the event each year is because of the friends in the San Jose community that he has made.

“It’s a beautiful course. You see a lot of similar faces. I’ve actually made a lot of friends through that golf tournament. They’re people who are from or live around San Jose, so that’s nice as well.”

Similar to Clowe’s tournament, the Sharks Foundation Golf Classic presented by Silver Creek Sportsplex combines foursomes and the opportunity to golf with members of the Sharks roster and coaching staff. Registration for the upcoming tournament at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club in San Jose is now open.

Click here for more information or to register.