hockey game for Woods teen By Jeremy Selweski HUNTINGTON WOODS/ BERKLEY — When Michael Gustafson passed away earlier this year at the age of 19, the impact it had on many in the Huntington Woods community was profound. Gustafson’s family was determined to carry on his memory in a way that could actuate something positive from such a heartbreaking tragedy. That led to the formation of the Michael Gustafson Memorial Scholarship Fund, which benefits Berkley High School graduates who exemplify the same qualities that Gustafson showed during his brief life. “Shortly after Michael passed away, we knew that we had to make something good out of all this,” said Gustafson’s mother, Mary, who also works as the programs coordinator for Huntington Woods Parks and Recreation. “We thought that to help out other college students was the best way to do something in Michael’s name.” On Nov. 29, Gustafson’s family is hosting a fundraiser that seems like a perfectly fitting tribute to the former Berkley High School hockey team captain: a charity hockey game at the Berkley Ice Arena featuring the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association team. The event was organized in large part by Hank Berry, zoning and preservation administrator for Huntington Woods. “When we lost Mike this year, we all lost a family member,” Berry said. “You can’t bring him back, but what you can do is help him live on and give the tragedy some positive meaning.” Gustafson passed away on May 26 in a kayak accident on Blind Lake in Lyndon Township. He had been spending Memorial Day weekend with some friends in a house on the lake. All proceeds from the Nov. 29 fundraiser will go toward the Gustafson scholarship fund, which is designated for a graduating senior from BHS who will be entering a college, university or trade school next fall. Because this is a character-based scholarship rather than an academic one, the recipient must exhibit compassion, enthusiasm for life and a willingness to go the extra mile to help others. “This is something that will help Berkley seniors for years to come, and that’s a wonderful thing,” Berry said. “It’s just touching to see who comes out for events like this. It’s going to be a blast.” For Mary, the positive reaction she has received from local residents has reinforced the impact that her son had on everyone who knew him. “The outpouring from the community and people I didn’t even know Michael had touched has been incredible,” she said. “That has made it so much more rewarding. Michael was truly a friend to everyone — he had no enemies.” At the charity game, former Red Wings, such as Dennis Hextall, John Ogrodnick, Brent Fedyk, Shawn Burr and Bill Evo, will face off against “Team Gus,” a squad comprising Gustafson’s friends, family members and teammates from the BHS hockey team. George Bowman, secretary for the Red Wings alumni and the grandson of former Wings great Scotty Bowman — the player, not the coach — will be playing goalie for the team. According to Bowman, the team participates in about 25 to 30 charity games every winter. “We really don’t turn anyone away,” he explained. “We don’t have any criteria. We play for all different causes, but it’s usually for someone who was involved with the game. Very rarely do we play just for us — we’re always helping out a charity in some way. … The guys just love to lace ‘em up and play, and it’s always for a great cause.” Meanwhile, on the other side of the puck, Gustafson’s older brother, Tom, will be serving as captain for Team Gus. The 22-year-old — who, like his late sibling, played hockey for BHS — was happy to take on a leadership role for the event. “Mike had a big, big personality and a lot of character,” he said. “It’s exciting that we can honor him and contribute to other (BHS students) who might not have been able to go to college. … Everyone in the community has been really supportive of it. It’s really a testament to everyone in this area, and it should be a lot of fun.” But what about the challenge of going up against a whole crew of former professional athletes? “From what I heard, they’ll turn it down to the level you’re playing at, but then they’ll kick it in every once in a while to let you know who’s boss,” Tom said with a laugh. “It’s definitely going to be interesting.” The charity hockey game — the Detroit Red Wings Alumni vs. Team Gus — will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Berkley Ice Arena, 2300 Robina Ave. Tickets are $10, and attendees will also have chance to win a number of prizes at the silent auction. In addition, there will be a meet-and-greet party immediately following the game at 9 p.m. at the Huntington Woods Recreation Center, 26325 Scotia Road. The cost is $25 and includes food, beverages, and the opportunity to get autographs and pictures taken with the players. For more information, call Berry at (248) 541-4300 or visit www.teamgus.com. You can reach Staff Writer Jeremy Selweski at jselweski@candgnews.com or at (586) 218-5004. |
