News
Wed, Jul 11th, 2012
PRESS RELEASE:
NHL’s Brendan Morrison’s Third Annual Tofino, British Columbia, Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby Raises $50,000 For Community Initiatives
Winning Anglers Donate Portion of Prize to Tofino Salmon Enhancement Program
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, July 11, 2012 – Canadian professional ice hockey player, Brendan Morrison of the National Hockey League, today announced that the Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby held July 7-8, 2012, raised $50,000 to support four Tofino community initiatives — Wickaninnish Community School, Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society, Tofino Parks and Recreation Program and the West Coast Multiplex Society.
In its third year, the Tofino Saltwater Classic welcomed more than 100 anglers, including Stanley Cup winner Willie Mitchell, competing for $15,000 in cash prizes. Award categories and winners were:
First Place Chinook Salmon: 27 pounds
Winner: Lutz Zilliken, with Billy McGinnis Prize: $6,000.00
($3,000 of prize donated back to the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society)
Second Place Chinook Salmon: 26.25 pounds
Winner: Kate Crosby, with Steve Penfold Prize: $3,750.00
Third Place Chinook Salmon: 24.85 pounds
Winner: Dean Harrington, Prize: $2,250.00
Largest Halibut: 64.95 pounds
Winner: Josh Temple, Prize: $1,500.00
Largest Coho Salmon: 12.2 pounds
Winner: Brian Kask, Prize: $1,500.00
“The results from this year’s derby are phenomenal,” said Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby host, Brendan Morrison. “Not only did we fill the registration roster 3 weeks before the derby opened, our fundraising efforts raised more money for Tofino community initiatives than the previous 2 years combined. As every angler who has joined the Saltwater Classic knows, Tofino is a great place to fish and a great community to support. We look forward to next year’s event.”
In addition to participant registration fees, the Tofino Saltwater Classic raised funds at a silent auction hosted by Morrison following the first day of the derby, and by private donations from Tofino residents and business owners.
Dates for the 2013 Tofino Saltwater Classic will be announced in December, 2012.
About the Tofino Saltwater Classic In its third year, the Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby was created by the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Brendan Morrison as a fundraiser for Tofino community initiatives. More information can be found at www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com.
Tofino is a year-round travel destination on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Bounded by the open Pacific Ocean, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is known for its miles of pristine beaches and unparalleled adventures, including whale and wildlife watching, saltwater and freshwater fishing, surfing, kayaking, boating, hiking, and winter storm watching. www.tourismtofino.com
Media Contact
Lynda Kaye, Kaye Public Relations for the Tofino Saltwater Classic
e: lynda@kayepr.com p: 250.266.5293
Event Contact
Shawna Gardham
e: info@tofinosaltwaterclassic.com p: 604.928.5013
Tue, Jan 3rd, 2012
PRESS RELEASE: 2012 Derby Dates Announced
Third Annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby Fundraiser
Set for July 7 – 8, 2012
NHL's Brendan Morrison to Host West Coast Vancouver Island Event
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, January 3, 2012 – Canadian professional ice hockey centre Brendan Morrison with the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League today announced that he will again host the Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby fundraising event to be held for the third consecutive year in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, from July 7 – 8, 2012.
To date, the Saltwater Classic has raised more than $45,000 to support Tofino community initiatives including the Wickaninnish School Parent Advisory Council’s Healthy Lunch Program, the Tofino General Hospital Foundation, The Tofino Parks and Recreation program and the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society.
"I’m really pleased that the Saltwater Classic continues to be such a popular and positive event,” said Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby host, Brendan Morrison. "My family and I look forward to again welcoming anglers from all over the world to the pristine waters around Tofino for this year's derby.”
Open to pre-registered participants, the Tofino Saltwater Classic $250 entry fee includes a celebratory dinner and silent auction hosted by Brendan Morrison on July 7. Anglers will compete for up to $12,000 in cash prizes awarded in five categories:
- Three largest Chinook salmon
- Largest Coho salmon
- Largest halibut
The remainder of the entry fee proceeds, along with the proceeds from the silent auction, will support a number of Tofino community initiatives.
About the Tofino Saltwater Classic
In its third year, the Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby was created by the National Hockey League's (NHL) Brendan Morrison as a fundraiser for Tofino community initiatives. Participant entry forms and other information can be found at www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com.
About Tofino
Tofino is a year-round travel destination on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Bounded by the open Pacific Ocean, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is known for its miles of pristine beaches and unparalleled adventures, including whale and wildlife watching, saltwater and freshwater fishing, surfing, kayaking, boating, hiking, and winter storm watching. www.tourismtofino.com
Event Contact
Shawna Gardham
e: info@tofinosaltwaterclassic.com
p: 604.928.5013
Media Contact
Lynda Kaye
Kaye Public Relations for the Tofino Saltwater Classic
e: lynda@kayepr.com
p: 250.725.2035
###
Thu, Jul 21st, 2011
Tofino Saltwater Classic Raises $25,000 for Community Initatives

By Yasmin Aboelsaud, Special to the Westerly News
The second annual Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby concluded Sunday with $25,000 raised for local community initiatives.
Hosted by NHL star Brendan Morrison, anglers from as far as Alberta came to fish with the Calgary Flames hockey player.
Ninty-eight anglers took part in this year's derby, which began on a rainy Saturday morning.
"I thought it was great," said Morrison. "We raised more money than last year which is a good thing because it's all going back into the community."
In addition to the Wickaninnish Elementary School and the Tofino Salmon
Enhancement Society, this year funds will also be directed to the Tofino Hospital Foundation and the District of Tofino's Parks & Recreation department.
"I thought those two areas are areas we could contribute to and help out," Morrison said.
Anglers, many of whom are Morrison fans, raised funds at the silent auction and dinner at the Weigh West Marine Resort Saturday evening.
Among the attendees were Morrison's wife, Erin, and Los Angeles Kings defenceman Willie Mitchell.
Mitchell, an avid fisherman, is known for his own philanthropic work in his hometown of Port McNeill, B.C.
Auction items included fishing equipment and hockey paraphernalia.
The second fishing day wrapped on Sunday with an awards ceremony where anglers were in disbelief as to the win for largest chinook salmon.
A tie between Anthony Kelly and Shawn Karp meant two first place winners.
Each fish weighed in at 15.67 kilograms (34.55 lbs).
"It's pretty amazing for two fish to be the exact same weight," said Kelly.
The Calgarian caught his winning fish Sunday morning. "It still hasn't sunk in yet," he said at the ceremony.
Kelly, a fan of the Calgary Flames, traveled to Tofino with eight friends and co-workers from Centurion Mechanical.
The fishing buddies used to visit the Haida Gwaii for their fishing trips. After visiting Tofino last year, they decided to come back for four days of fishing with one of their hockey idols.
"Tofino is the place to come and go fishing," Kelly said. "We're really happy we got Brendan [Morrison] with us."
Although the Saltwater Classic was a success during its inaugural year in 2010, Morrison said this year was even better.
"I thought it went smoother than last year. I had some great help again from Shawna Gardham and Lynda Kaye. We're a well-oiled machine now," said Morrison.
Like last year, this was a family event for Morrison, who fished with his father, his son and brother-in-law.
As the event wound down, Morrison said he would love to do it again next year.
"It's gaining momentum. I like the direction it's heading," he said.
And Morrison attributes much of the growth of the event to the local community.
"I appreciate all the support and all the volunteers that come and help. If we don't have those people pitching in, we don't have an event," he said. "So a thank you to the community."
As for Kelly, who participated in the derby for the first time, he is already planning his return.
"I think [the derby] was amazing. Well organized, great people and a lot of fun," he said. "I'm definitely going to come back."
Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby winners:
First place: Largest Chinook
Anthony Kelly & Shaun Karp Both fish weighed 15.67 kilograms (34.55 lbs)
Third place: Mark Kosick
Fish weighed 15.53 kg (34.25 lbs)
Largest Halibut: Matt Harbour
Fish weighed 36.24 kg (79.9 lbs)
Largest Coho: Sean Peach
Fish weighed 4.35 kg (9.6 lbs)
-reporter@westerlynews.ca
© Copyright (c) Postmedia News
Tue, Jul 19th, 2011
Brendan Morrison's Saltwater Classic Makes a Splash
CALGARY FLAMES OFFICIAL WEBSITE
The Tofino Fishing Derby Raises $25,000 for Community Initiatives
Tuesday, 19.07.2011 / 4:09 PM
CALGARY, AB – Calgary Flames forward Brendan Morrison announced today that the Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby held July 16 – 17, 2011, raised $25,000 to support four Tofino community initiatives. In its second year, the Tofino Saltwater Classic welcomed 98 anglers competing for $12,000 in cash prizes.
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| Brendan Morrison with winners Shaun Karp & Anthony Kelly. Photo by Todd Byrnes, Tofino. |
“I’m very happy with the results of this year’s derby,” said Brendan Morrison. “We had a record number of participants, exceeded last year’s fundraising amount, and we had a lot of fun fishing in Tofino waters that are loaded with salmon. It is great to see an abundance of fish coming back to this area to sustain salmon stocks for years to come.”
In addition to participant registration fees, the Tofino Saltwater Classic raised funds through a silent auction hosted by Morrison following the first day of the derby, as well from private Tofino donations from Tofino residents and business owners.
The Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby was initiated by Morrison as a fundraiser for community initiatives. Further to Flames players’ personal charitable commitments, all players continue to be actively involved in team fundraisers and community programs such as the Flames Hockey School, Pond Hockey by Enmax Energy, Flames Ambassador Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament, Danone SuperSkills, Alberta Children Hospital wheelchair hockey and Christmas visits and various charitable and community appearances through the Flames Foundation for Life and Community Relations programming.
Thu, Jul 21st, 2011
Ball hockey fun in Tofino with Morrison's return
Westerly News
For the second year in a row, NHL star Brendan Morrison met with teams of young Tofino children to play ball hockey.
The Calgary Flames centre hosted the second annual Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby over the weekend.
Over 20 children participated in several rounds of hockey with Morrison.
"It's a lot of fun. The kids are fired up and I'm excited about it," he said. "It brings me back to being a kid. I played a lot of road hockey growing up and I have a real passion for it."
Throughout the hockey season, Morrison and his teammates visit schools and hospitals in their communities to be positive role models.
"More than anything else, I just go out, have fun with [the kids] and try to be a positive influence."
As the hockey continued in the Tofino Community Hall Friday, sounds of cheering and support came from parents watching their children take part in a rare opportunity to play with the professional hockey star.
"They are all really into it. It's pretty competitive." Morrison said. "It's fun."
-reporter@westerlynews.ca
© Copyright (c) Postmedia News
Mon, Jul 18th, 2011
PRESS RELEASE: Second Annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby Raises $25,000 For Community Initiatives
NHL’s Brendan Morrison Hosts West Coast Vancouver Island Fundraiser
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, July 18, 2011 – Canadian professional ice hockey centre, Brendan Morrison with the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League, today announced that the Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby held July 16 – 17, 2011, raised $25,000 to support four Tofino community initiatives — Wickaninnish Community School Library and Healthy Snack Program, Tofino Salmon Enhancement Program, Tofino Hospital Foundation and Tofino Parks and Recreation Program.
In its second year, the Tofino Saltwater Classic welcomed 98 anglers competing for $12,000 in cash prizes. Award categories and winners were:
Largest Chinook Salmon (tie for first and second place): 34.55 pounds
Winners: Shaun Karp and Anthony Kelly Prize: $4,200.00 each
Second Largest Chinook Salmon: 34.25 pounds
Winner: Mark Kosic Prize: $1,200.00
Largest Halibut: 79.9 pounds
Winner: Matt Harbour Prize: $1,200.00
Largest Coho Salmon: 9.6 pounds
Winner: Sean Peach Prize: $1,200.00
“I’m very happy with the results of this year’s derby,” said Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby host, Brendan Morrison. “We had a record number of participants, exceeded last year’s fundraising amount, and we had a lot of fun fishing in Tofino waters that are loaded with salmon. It is great to see an abundance of fish coming back to this area to sustain salmon stocks for years to come.”
In addition to participant registration fees, the Tofino Saltwater Classic raised funds at a silent auction hosted by Morrison following the first day of the derby, and by private Tofino donations from Tofino residents and business owners.
Dates for the 2012 Tofino Saltwater Classic will be announced in early 2012.
About the Tofino Saltwater Classic In its second year, the Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby was created by the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Brendan Morrison as a fundraiser for Tofino community initiatives. Participant entry forms and other information can be found at www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com.
About Tofino Tofino is a year-round travel destination on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Bounded by the open Pacific Ocean, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is known for its miles of pristine beaches and unparalleled adventures, including whale and wildlife watching, saltwater and freshwater fishing, surfing, kayaking, boating, hiking, and winter storm watching. www.tourismtofino.com
Event and Media Contact
Lynda Kaye, Kaye Public Relations for the Tofino Saltwater Classic
e: lynda@kayepr.com p: 250 725 2035
Sun, Jul 17th, 2011
2011 TOFINO SALTWATER CLASSIC WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Fri, Apr 1st, 2011
Second Annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby Set for July 16-17, 2011
NHL's Brendan Morrison to Host West Coast Vancouver Island Fundraiser
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, March 24, 2011 – Canadian professional ice hockey centre, Brendan Morrison with the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League, today announced that he will again host the Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby to be held for the second consecutive year in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, from July 16 – 17, 2011.
Open to 100 pre-registered participants, Tofino Saltwater Classic $250 entry fee includes a celebratory dinner and silent auction hosted by Brendan Morrison on July 16. Anglers will compete for up to $12,000 in cash prizes awarded in five categories: three largest Chinook salmon, largest Coho salmon and largest halibut. All fish must be caught on rod and reel in accordance with British Columbia's saltwater sport fishing regulations. The remainder of the entry fee proceeds, along with the proceeds from the silent auction, will support a number of Tofino community initiatives.
"In addition to being great fun for participants, last year's Saltwater Classic derby was a resounding success raising more that $19,000 for Tofino's school programs and salmon enhancement projects," said Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby host, Brendan Morrison. "My family and I look forward to welcoming anglers from all over North America to the pristine waters around Tofino for this year's derby.
"We were very pleased to be one of the beneficiaries of last year's Tofino Saltwater Classic," said Brad Dusseault, Principal at Tofino's Wickaninnish Community School. "The $9,500 donation was used to support our healthy snack initiative as well as stock our in-classroom libraries with much needed new books and other teaching materials."
About the Tofino Saltwater Classic
In its second year, the Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby was created by the National Hockey League's (NHL) Brendan Morrison as a fundraiser for Tofino community initiatives. Participant entry forms and other information can be found at www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com.
About Tofino
Tofino is a year-round travel destination on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Bounded by the open Pacific Ocean, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is known for its miles of pristine beaches and unparalleled adventures, including whale and wildlife watching, saltwater and freshwater fishing, surfing, kayaking, boating, hiking, and winter storm watching. www.tourismtofino.com
Event and Media Contact
Lynda Kaye
Kaye Public Relations for the Tofino Saltwater Classic
e: lynda@kayepr.com
p: 250.725.2035
###
Tue, Mar 29th, 2011
Brendan Morrison Opens Registration for the Second Annual Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby
Calgary, AB – Calgary Flames forward, Brendan Morrison is proud to announce that he will again host the Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby to be held for the second consecutive year in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, from July 16 - 17, 2011.
Open to 100 pre-registered participants, Tofino Saltwater Classic $250 entry fee includes a celebratory dinner and silent auction hosted by Brendan Morrison on July 16. Anglers will compete for up to $12,000 in cash prizes awarded in five categories: three largest Chinook salmon, largest Coho salmon and largest halibut. All fish must be caught on rod and reel in accordance with British Columbia's saltwater sport fishing regulations. The remainder of the entry fee proceeds, along with the proceeds from the silent auction, will support a number of Tofino community initiatives.
"In addition to being great fun for participants, last year's Saltwater Classic derby was a resounding success, raising more than $19,000 for Tofino's school programs and salmon enhancement projects," said Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby host, Brendan Morrison. "My family and I look forward to welcoming anglers from all over North America to the pristine waters around Tofino for this year's derby."
"We were very pleased to be one of the beneficiaries of last year's Tofino Saltwater Classic," said Brad Dusseault, Principal at Tofino's Wickaninnish Community School. "The $9,500 donation was used to support our healthy snack initiative as well as stock our in-classroom libraries with much needed new books and other teaching materials."
In its second year, the Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby was created by Brendan Morrison as a fundraiser for Tofino community initiatives. Participant entry forms and other information can be found at www.tofinosaltwaterclassic.com.
For information contact:
Lynda Kaye
Kaye Public Relations,
Tofino Saltwater Classic Manager,
e: lynda@kayepr.com
p: (250) 725-2035
Candice Goudie
Community Relations
cgoudie@calgaryflames.com
p: (403) 777-3689
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