The Mario Lemieux Fantasy Hockey Camp is among the primary fundraising activities for the Mario Lemieux Foundation, raising over $5 million. The camp offers participants a unique hockey experience, both on and off the ice. Notably, patrons enjoy the opportunity to engage with Mario Lemieux and play at the PPG Paints Arena. Currently, over 300 people are on the waiting list for this exclusive experience.
Joe Delic, a Pennsylvania native, Duquesne University graduate, and physician at Allegheny Health Network, was formerly on the waiting list until he received a spot in 2020. Reflecting on the experience, Delic remarked, “Finally getting that call after a number of years saying, ‘We have a spot, you can go,’ that was probably one of the coolest things in my life,” adding, “This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.” Delic has since participated in the camp for five consecutive years.
Delic fondly remembers signing his contract with Lemieux, recounting, “Everyone says he’s a larger-than-life figure and someone who is really kind and generous.” He continued, “I always feel so lucky to be around him.” Delic chose to wear the number 49, commemorating his introduction to hockey at the age of nine. Support from his family, especially his parents John and Sharon, played a crucial role in his hockey journey.
“My mom and dad always supported us through everything,” said Delic. He shared how significant it was that family and friends could watch games at PPG Paints Arena. John and Sharon motivated Delic to join the waiting list for the camp. Before Delic’s team took the championship game at the last day of camp, a tribute to his father, who passed away earlier in the year, was displayed on the video board.
“It meant a lot… over the years, the people at the camp have treated me so well, and they welcome you into their family,” Delic said. He expressed gratitude for the community and friendships forged through the camp. “One of the things I’ve learned from the camp is how generous some of the people are with their time and resources,” said Delic, recounting how these experiences foster strong bonds.
An unforgettable moment for Delic was when he scored a goal with an assist from Jaromír Jágr. Delic recounted, “The best goal I had was last year; I got assisted by Jaromír Jágr,” adding, “It was so cool.”
Each year, participants are allocated into four teams, with each team being led by two pro-team captains and two head coaches. Numerous activities include community service initiatives, such as visits to children’s hospitals and sports medicine sessions. “They do a number of things,” Delic noted, expressing appreciation for the diverse experiences provided.
Delic acknowledged the efforts of the Mario Lemieux Foundation and its volunteers, expressing his hopes for the camp to continue for future generations. “I want them to keep doing this because it’s amazing for us; it’s unbelievable,” Delic said.
More information about the Mario Lemieux Fantasy Hockey Camp can be found online.
