PT BOOSTERS

[Thunderchic]

Bloomington PrairieThunder officials announced Thursday its International Hockey League game on Oct. 24 against the Fort Wayne Komets will be dedicated to the memory of Rob Guinn.



The 32-year-old Guinn, a defenseman on last year’s team, died from injuries suffered in an automobile accident near Ames , Iowa in July.



Donations collected at the game and a portion of the proceeds from the game will be directed to the Rob Guinn Memorial Fund, which has been established to further the future education of Guinn’s 7-month-old daughter, Olivia.



“We chose the Oct. 24 date against Fort Wayne because some of the members of the Komets were Rob’s teammates from 2004-06 in the United Hockey League,” said PrairieThunder general manager Jerry McBurney.



McBurney also announced the No. 7, which was Guinn’s number with the PrairieThunder, will be displayed on the team’s sweaters during the season.



To date, more than $5,000 has been donated to the memorial fund. Contributions can be sent to Leighton Legal Group, 802 N. Clinton Street, Suite 1 , Bloomington , Ill. , 61701 .



“I can’t thank the PrairieThunder organization, its fans and the other teams, leagues and fans where Rob played for their overwhelming support during such a unbelievably difficult time,” said Rob’s wife Brooke, who plans to attend the Oct. 24 game with Olivia.



“It means so much to me to know how much Rob was thought of by his teammates and the fans. It has certainly helped me personally get through some very tough times.”



Guinn, a native of Ottawa , Ontario , played 55 games with the PrairieThunder last season after signing with the team 21 games into the campaign.



He was a nine-year veteran in the professional ranks, spending most his career with Elmira and Fort Wayne in the United Hockey League.





Bryan Bloodworth
Bloomington PrairieThunder