NHL legends to play in Cape Breton to support boy with cancer

A 13-year-old Cape Breton boy is getting some superstar hockey support in his fight against cancer.

Brody Bobbett, who has Hodgkin's disease, is both a hockey fan and player.

When family friend Albert Nordine was considering how to help out the family, he put his mind to incorporating the sport into a fundraiser.

The NHL Legends All-Stars program, which helps raise money for sick kids, was a natural fit.

"I decided with the money they are going to be spending on trips going back and forth to the hospital and hotels and gas and meals, they need some help," Nordine said.

"[Brody] plays in the Sydney hockey system. He's been playing since he's been a tot."

Big names on the roster

Nordine has worked with the NHL Legends All-Stars program in the past.

Fan favourites like Ray Bourque, Al Iafrate, Gary Leeman, Stéphane Richer, Ron Duguay, Chris Nilan and Darren Langdon are on the roster for the April 5 game at Centre 200 in Sydney.

"John Scott, who was the MVP of the all-star game last year, is tentative. I will find out soon if it's 100 per cent," Nordine said.

He said he's glad the event has come together.

"Brody's one of the kindest kids you ever want to meet."

'Hopefully everyone gets behind this'

Centre 200 general manager Paul MacDonald said the all-star game is dear to his heart because it's helping a hockey player.

"We have the facility, we have the size and we have the seating capacity, we have all the other infrastructure here so for us, it really is an easy one and when it's related to hockey, it's a no-brainer for us."

Tickets for the game are $20, a dressing room pass is $50 and a reception pass is $80. They are available by calling 902-565-9906.

"This is a very good fundraiser. People of Cape Breton in the past have been one of the best to raise money, so hopefully everyone gets behind this and makes life easier for the Bobbetts," said Nordine.