Olie and Stu's Desert Bash

I love that in the middle of the desert, in an area with a relatively small population, the Desert Bash has amazing participation. Everyone has a great time, even if it's a bazillion degrees outside.

According to the paper, the tournament (and it's corporate sponsors) and the auction raised $200,000 for the Carson Kolzig Foundation. The CKF's mission (and what the money goes for):

Enhance Autism Treatment Resources in the Tri Cities

• Underwrite costs of services/treatment for kids and families affected by autism.
• Sponsor seminars or training that benefit kids and families affected by autism.
• Provide capital resources to help bring an autism treatment resource to the Tri Cities.
• Provide program funds necessary to improve the quality of treatment for children with autism

Educate and Equip the Community About Autism

• Sponsor seminars or training that benefit educators affected by autism.
• Provide education and support forum to the Tri Cities community through an annual autism conference.
• Provide the "Kolzig Connection", a foundation newsletter.
• Host the Carson Kolzig Foundation website with resources and support networks

Empower Families Challenged by Autism

• Outreach gesture for families who receive new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
• Provide annual outings that allow autistic kids and families to have a day of fun in a safe and appropriate setting.

Kolzig is also a part of the larger organization, Athletes Against Austism, which is connected with Autism Speaks and was founded by Kolzig and fellow NHL-ers Byron Dafoe, and Scott Mellanby, because they are all parents of children with autism. Autism now affects 1-in-150 births, which is just a staggering number and there's no real explanation or solution. It's efforts like Kolzig's Foundation and AAA that are dedicated to helping to provide support, help, and money for research.

I can't even put into words how honored I am to be a part of this huge fundraiser every year. Yes, I get to enjoy taking pictures of hot hockey players, but it's a cause I believe strongly in and I'm delighted to do what I can to help.

That being said, here's some pictures from the tournament, I gave you some individual shots of current and former Americans players, then group shots of all the players who competed. If anyone notices that there's a wrong name or anything, please let me know so I can rectify it. I'm going off my master list, but I think there were a few last-minute changes that I didn't get written down.