Cereal, coffee and conversation with a Stanley Cup champion all from the comfort of your own couch.
Prince George’s Jon Cooper has been announced as the keynote speaker for this year’s UNBC Legacy Breakfast, who won the NHL’s grandest trophy six months ago as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
By virtue of the COVID-19 pandemic and B.C.’s public health order on organized gatherings, indoors and outdoors, the seventh annual fundraiser is going virtual on May 5, 2021, at 7:30 a.m.
The event would normally bring hundreds of people together in support of the Timberwolves and its student-athletes, eating a catered breakfast and listening to the guest speaker in person.
Since its inception in 2015, the UNBC Legacy Breakfast has raised about $400,000 for scholarships and bursaries for T-Wolves athletes.
“This year has been all about adaptability and pivoting in a safe and appropriate manner,” said UNBC Athletics Director Loralyn Murdoch in an announcement this morning (April 1).
“We all love getting together in a big room and sharing in a live atmosphere. However, with the restrictions, this has opened up the chance to pivot into a digital event, and I am really excited for everyone to experience that.”
Cooper is set to be the first locally born-and-raised hockey product to speak at the Legacy Breakfast. He’ll be the second NHL member or alumni in the event’s history to share his story, alongside Theo Fleury from 2017.
According to UNBC, the 53-year-old is set to share his life story, including his childhood upbringing, his 11 years as a public defender and his quick rise to the NHL ranks.
He’s currently the longest-tenured coach in the league; seven full seasons as Tampa Bay’s bench boss since being promoted in 2012.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jon Cooper for what should be an incredible morning,” adds Murdoch as Cooper became the second Prince George product in three years to hoist the Stanley Cup after Brett Connolly did so with the Washington Capitals in 2018.
“Jon has an incredible story. He is truly proud of his Prince George roots, and I know Prince George is so proud of him. I can’t wait for everyone to hear his story.”
In 2020, Kady Dandeneau was the first UNBC alum keynote speaker.
Past guests have also included (in order of appearance since 2015):
- Hayley Wickenheiser
- Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons
- Theo Fleury
- Michael Landsberg
- Jennifer Jones
Only those who purchase tickets for the 2021 virtual breakfast will receive a live-streaming link.
Available options and more information can be found on UNBC’s website.
