Dennis Hull has always said that while his brother Bobby and nephew Brett were blessed with the genetic nose for the National Hockey League (NHL) net, he was given the gift of gab.

 But the self-effacing, five-time NHL all-star is widely respected and loved in his own rite for his stellar career on the ice and now, he's bringing his remarkable gift for after-dinner dialogue to Bridgewater on August 13 as the guest of honour for the second annual Bridgewater Lumberjacks celebrity dinner.

 The event, which will be held at the new Best Western hotel in Cookville, kicks off at 5:30 p.m.

 Mr. Hull, in an interview last week from his home in Ontario, said that he's looking forward to coming to Bridgewater as part of a swing through the Maritime provinces.

 "The Thursday [before the dinner] I'm going to PEI, and that's how it came about - they called and I was going to be in that area, so it worked out perfectly," Mr. Hull said.

 "I've been all over Nova Scotia," he added. "It's fabulous."

 Asked what he'll be focusing on during his talk with those in attendance, Mr. Hull wryly laughed and said that he "won't be talking about the World Cup."

 Mr. Hull, of course, has a wealth of hockey tales to choose from - including some pleasant memories and some not-so-fond ones.

 Among the highlights, Mr. Hull was a member of the 1972 Team Canada squad that claimed a dramatic eight-game victory over the Soviets, capped off by Paul Henderson's famous goal.

 As satisfying as that was, Mr. Hull three times tasted frustration in the Stanley Cup finals, with his Blackhawks dropping the series on each occasion to the Montreal Canadiens - including a pair of Game 7 losses.

 Mr. Hull even mused that he had wished Montreal had come out of the Eastern Conference finals against Philadelphia this past season, just so the Blackhawks would have had the opportunity to exact some long-deserved revenge on Les Habs.

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 "We've been waiting a long time," for a championship in Chicago, he said. "But I went to the finals three times and lost three times against Montreal, so it would've been nice revenge."

 With his thoughts on today and stories from a career that spanned 14 NHL seasons, Mr. Hull has a venerable arsenal of anecdotes which are sure to delight and captivate hockey fans of all ages.

 In addition to the guest of honour, former NHLer and Bridgewater native Glen Murray will be on hand for the dinner, which will also feature an auction and prizes.

 Tickets are still available for the enjoyable fundraiser and more information can be found at http://www.lumberjacks-hockey.com.

New presenting sponsor named

 In other Lumberjacks news, governor David Walker announced on July 26, via the team's website, that CIBC Wood Gundy has signed on as the club's title sponsor starting this coming season.

 "CIBC Wood Gundy, with strong support from the local branch, are no strangers to the sporting community," he said in the release. "The Lumberjacks family are excited about the partnership and look forward to a great relationship."

posted on 08/10/10