New York Islanders legend Pat LaFontaine is stepping up for Catholic Charities of Long Island as the honoree of our 22^nd annual Golf Classic taking place Monday, Sept. 30, at Huntington Crescent Club.

The day has much to offer, including 18 holes of golfing on a terrific course, an excellent brunch, lunch and dinner with reception in the well-appointed clubhouse and the camaraderie of many fellow participants supporting Catholic Charities.

Using familiar hockey scoring terms, LaFontaine praised the ministries Catholic Charities carries out on behalf of our needy and vulnerable neighbors at more than 50 service sites on Long Island.

“What you guys are doing at Charities, thank you so much, because it makes a massive difference in so many lives,” LaFontaine said. “I tell people to score their goals when they are young because when you get older it is all about the assists.

“It is more fun passing the puck and maybe putting a smile (on someone’s face) than scoring your own goals.”

LaFontaine, a faithful Catholic, shared his thoughts at the Main Street Mile Race in Farmingdale, where he was supporting his own nonprofit organization, Companions in Courage, which builds game rooms for young patients at children’s hospitals across North America. The mission of Companions in Courage asserts that “no child in the fight for life or health should ever have to go through it alone,” he explained.

“They have companions, they have family, they have friends, they have a room like the Lion’s Den to escape to and they are not alone. The minute you don’t feel alone and you feel connected, I think healing takes place.”

The interview, with CCLI’s director of development and communications Danielle Campbell, will be featured on “CFN Live” on the Catholic Faith Network Thursday, Sept. 12, at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

LaFontaine’s hockey accomplishments include being named to the NHL Hall of Fame and as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players. He is one of a select few to have played for all three New York teams: Islanders, Rangers and Buffalo Sabres.

LaFontaine and his wife, Marybeth, raised their own three children on Long Island, and now have two grandchildren.  

We’d like to ask you to “assist” Catholic Charities in reaching our “goal” for the upcoming Golf Classic.

If you’d like to enjoy the day’s festivities and help us honor Pat LaFontaine, please go to our website at catholiccharities.cc to register.