BOSTON, MA – MAY 19, 2024: Cam Russo of the White Team and Brendan Avan of the Blue Team (Chris・Christo/Boston Herald)
By now, most people in New England are familiar with Mike Slonina's philanthropic foundation, A Shot for Life, and the work it has done for cancer research. Since its founding as a basketball phenomenon more than a decade ago, the organization has accomplished much of its work through sports.
ASFL introduced a hockey showcase to its ever-growing list of ideas last year, and the first installment was a huge success. this year? Just as great.
the goal? We host the Boys and Girls All-Star Game, showcasing talent from top high schools and prep schools from across New England. Both games were scheduled to take place at Warrior Ice Arena, the Boston Bruins' practice facility. It was as nice a venue as anyone could ask for.
In the men's opening game in the afternoon, the blue team won 16-14 over the white team, and the fans were treated to fireworks and an astonishing total of 30 goals.
The Blues were powered by the duo of Hingham's Paul Zabik and St. Mark's Calvin Beard and Andrew Gibbons, who each scored a hat trick.
The game also featured some fun surprises, including Bruins mascot Blaze getting in on the action late in the final period. The local celebrity also got a little credit for a goal assist for Team White star and Winthrop standout Petey Silverman.
Zavik first connected with Slonina and A Shot for Life through his friend and longtime Hingham teammate Travis Rugg while recruiting. He did not hesitate to participate.
“They told (ASFL's) Pat Manning that I would be a good candidate and presented my name to the organization,” Zabik said. “This was a huge deal because my aunt (Andrea) is currently battling cancer, so I have a personal connection to the cause. And (this is) a great That’s it.”
Zavik estimates he personally helped raise $1,200 for the showcase and, like everyone, hopes that one day this terrible disease will be defeated.
After the men's showcase, all participants from both games gathered at center ice to take photos. Blaze and his organization then created a team jersey to honor Slonina with the Bruins Foundation Award. ASFL selected Thayer star Kate Sullivan as the recipient, who has single-handedly raised $3,500 for the event in recent weeks. UNH was determined and hosted group gatherings and fundraisers with friends, family and teammates.
She had always done that for her father, Jim.
“I never thought (I would receive that honor),” Sullivan said. “But it was really special for me. His father had skin cancer, so it was really great to win for him.
Once the puck dropped on the women's matinee, Team White was able to capitalize on a series of scoring surges to earn an 8-0 shutout victory. BB&N standout Izzy King paced the day with a hat trick, and Phillips Andover's Sarah Powers had four assists.
This year's election saw a total of $105,000 donated among participants for cancer research.
When Slonina walked into the gym with a basketball for her first 24-hour shooting session in 2011, she had no idea how many lives she would change. He was solely focused on raising awareness for his mother, who was in the midst of battling a potentially malignant brain tumor.
Fourteen years after his journey began, Slonina's mother, like hundreds of current and former athletes, still helps him build his foundation. Now, the state plans to take over Massachusetts and hold the same showcase for all sports in Connecticut, where the state's ASFL Hockey Challenge will be held for the first time in August.
“I think last year was a great introduction,” Slonina said. “This year, we built on that. I thought the players really understood what we were trying to do. This is a really special event with all the support of the Boston Bruins Foundation. I can't thank you enough for making it such a great day, for the staff and for the players. We do a lot of these events, but this venue really makes it special. It was really exciting and I can't wait for the third year.”
