Alice Lachowicz crossed another item off her bucket list Saturday. The Windsor resident, along with her boyfriend Terry Urbach, were among the hundreds of fans who came out to Lowe’s to meet former NHL All-Star goaltender Curtis Joseph. Alice has been a Cujo fan since the beginning of his career with the St. Louis Blues, and she was thrilled when she learned that her favourite player was coming to town.

PHOTO CREDIT - Tim Cornett, OurHometown.ca

Windsor - May 16, 2013 - Alice Lachowicz crossed another item off her bucket list Saturday. The Windsor resident, along with her boyfriend Terry Urbach, were among the hundreds of fans who came out to Lowe’s to meet former NHL All-Star goaltender Curtis Joseph. Alice has been a Cujo fan since the beginning of his career with the St. Louis Blues, and she was thrilled when she learned that her favourite player was coming to town.

Joseph is representing Hockey Canada, and is working with Lowe’s and their Community Rink Reno program, which will see renovations performed on community rinks throughout the country. Lowe’s has committed $500,000 in grant money to refurbish two rinks a year. The program started in 2011, and this year the two rinks are London’s Oakridge Arean, and Windsor’s Forest Glade Arena. Each rink will have $50,000 to spend on upgrades, and in Forest Glade’s case, the money will be used to update all eleven dressing rooms, as well as improving access in many areas for those in wheelchairs. Painting, improvements to the multipurpose room, and exterior landscaping are also on the list.

The atmosphere in the parking lot was one of celebration, and for the many people who turned out it was a great opportunity to meet an NHL All -Star. Joseph was awesome, taking the time to speak with fans, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. Long time Leafs fan Randy Tupper brought along a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey that has been signed by 73 former Leafs. Tupper started collecting autographs at the urging of his wife, who had noticed an event in London promoting an appearance by Darryl Sittler, and when he found out Cujo was coming, he knew where he would be spending part of his Saturday.

Cujo stayed well past his scheduled time to make sure everyone got a chance to meet and speak with him. I would like to extend a special thank-you to Scott Sternberg of Jackson Events, who arranged a one on one interview with Joseph after the event. Again, Cujo was first class, taking the time to answer all of my questions with some great answers. Look for that interview later this week. Thanks Cujo, congratulations to you, Hockey Canada, Lowe’s, Jackson Events, and GMR Marketing for a job well done!

TC out