Posted by Chris G, Digital Radio Producer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

LAVAL, QC — On September 6th, Alex Galchenyuk took part in a fundraising event organized by the Association of Young Stutterers of Quebec at the Carrefour Multisports in Laval.

The event started with Alex and his sister Anna having lunch with Annie and Lea, two children who are part of the association that won a contest. Then followed a street hockey game with a dozen children from the association that were split up between two teams captained by Alex and Canadiens mascot Youppi. In goal for Team Youppi was Guylaine Jutras, the founder of the Association, and Jean Habel, Member of Provincial Parliament was in goal for Team Galchenyuk. Habel was pulled before the end of the 20 minute game and was replaced by local comedian, Kevin Raphael. Raphael was officiating and MC’ing the game prior to taking over in goal.

All the children had a huge smile on their faces and enjoyed their experience. Prior to the game, they were introduced to the parents watching on the public announce system and the Canadiens goal song was played in the facility. After the game, Galchenyuk signed the t-shirts of all the children that played in the game.

Laval mayor Marc Demers and Jean Habel presented Galchenyuk with a Medal of Honour of the National Assembly for his support of the association.

The event concluded with an autograph and picture session open to the general public. There was a couple of hundred fans that took the opportunity to get an autograph and picture taken with Alex in return for a donation to the Association of Young Stutterers of Quebec.

“We want to give back as much as we can to the community,”  said Anna Galchenyuk about her and her brother’s implication with the association. “This is our first big event, but we definitely want to do many more in the future.”

If you would like more information or to make a donation to the Association of Young Stutterers of Quebec, visit their website.

(All photos by Chris G | Rocket Sports Media)