A Mission poker player put his skills up against some of the NHL's alumni in Toronto last week to raise funds for his favourite charity.
Michael Dunbar was one of three participants who earned a seat in the NHL Alumni Charity Poker Tournament in Toronto through an online competition at PokerStars.net.
The local hockey fan was also thrilled to meet former NHL players like Mark Napier, Matthew Barnaby, Brad May, Theo Fleury, Darcy Tucker and Marty McSorely.
"I got to talk and play with them all," he shared.
There was a fun tournament the day before to get to know everyone, so players, especially the ones who qualified online, wouldn't feel the extra pressure, explained the local machinist.
"I was nervous, but [the former hockey players] are just regular guys and I couldn't ask for a better experience … They treated you like a brother."
Dunbar said the tournament was memorable, but he will have to remain tight-lipped on how he did and the tournament results until the event is broadcasted in December on Sportsnet 360.
Tournament participants split a $100,000 purse with all charities receiving at least $2,500. The tournament winner's charity will get $25,000.
Dunbar chose the Canadian Cancer Society as his charity to support his father who has been diagnosed with liver cancer.
"I'm just trying to do my part," said Dunbar, who has been living in Mission for six years with his family.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Dunbar, with permission from his family, played as much poker as he could with friends, in casinos and online.