Average Joes team up with NHL alumni for Heart and Stroke Foundation

Weekend warriors in Saskatoon had the chance to play on a line featuring NHL alumni Wendel Clark, Paul Coffey and Al Iafrate for a Hockey Heroes Weekend tournament.

The weekend tournament saw non-stop action at Gemini Arena as eight teams competed against each other to see who could raise the most amount of money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. They also had the once in a lifetime opportunity to play Canada's game with some of the country's best NHL alumni.

Clark, a former Toronto Maple Leafs captain and Saskatchewan native, said he loves the events as they showcase the sport of hockey and raise money for a worthy cause.

"It's Canada's game, we're the best at it," Clark told reporters after a Sunday afternoon game. "Alumni, we come out and have fun and provide some entertainment for the guys. The guys that raise the money, they're the true heroes."

Lorie Langenfurth, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan said the weekend event brought in almost $130,000 and the foundation has already secured a date for next year's Hockey Heroes Weekend, April 28, 2017.

Rinkside, Clark spoke about his personal connection to heart disease and how both his parents had heart issues. That is why he is such an avid supporter of the foundation. He also enjoys lacing up the skates and showing everyone he's still got it.

"We all know people who have heart issues, so whenever you can help out in a fun way, it's the best," Clark said.

Eight teams competed in this year's tournament and the foundation is hoping to double that number in 2017.