Tofino Saltwater Classic
Washington Capitals’ Brendan Morrison To Host Tofino Fishing Derby
Published Date: 2010/6/22 17:56:16
Article ID : 7937
Version 1.00.01
Brendan Morrison will host salmon derby in Tofino this summer. (Submitted Photo)
By Keven Drews
TOFINO — A member of the Washington Capitals will swap his hockey stick and skates for a fishing rod and boat this summer in Tofino.
Brendan Morrison announced this week he’ll host the first annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby between July 31 and Aug. 1.
The derby will run at the same time as an annual fishing derby, sponsored by the local Royal Canadian Legion, and will raise funds for Wickaninnish Community School and the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society.
At least two other NHL players, Willie Mitchell, a Vancouver Canucks’ defenseman, and Shaone Morrisonn , a Capitals’ defenseman, are also expected to attend the event, as well.
“At the end of the day, we want people to understand they’re giving back to the people of Tofino,” said Morrison who first visited Tofino at the age of four and now owns a home in the community.
He said fishing is synonymous with Tofino, and education opens doors for youths.
“I just like being outdoors,” he added. “I like being in nature.”
The derby has been capped at 100 fishermen.
Participants will pay $250 each to compete for $12,000 in cash prizes.
Awards will be handed out for the three largest chinook, the largest coho and the largest halibut.
Entry fees will cover the cash prizes.
The remainder of the proceeds, as well as money raised from a silent auction, will go to the school and salmon enhancement society.
“It’s going to be a major charity fundraiser,” said Whitey Bernard, president of the legion and director and secretary-treasurer of the salmon enhancement society.
He said the event will be exciting, especially for local youths who’ll get the chance to meet NHL players.
Bernard said participants will have the chance to enter both salmon derbies, too.
“It’s great to have him involved,” added Brad Dusseault, principal of Wickaninnish Community School, of Morrison.
He said funds raised will help the school’s snack and nutrition program and its classroom library program.
“Learning foods,” which are nutritious foods, not junk foods, promote a more consistent behaviour in children and promote learning, said Dusseault.
The school has also developed classroom libraries, he added, because it doesn’t have the funds for its own librarian.
Dusseault said he doesn’t know how much money the school will receive, but “every little bit helps.”
Individuals can read more about the salmon derby by visiting www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com
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. Thanks for the post. I remember you pointing out Brendan's boat last year. Was a little foggy but you can make it out.
. 
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