News

Mats Sundin may play his last game at the Air Canada Centre next Friday night, but it won't be as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sundin decided Friday to participate in the Festival Cup, a charity hockey game featuring current NHL stars and Hollywood celebrities that will be staged at the ACC next Friday, to support Right To Play, an international humanitarian organization.

Sundin's participation was confirmed Friday by his agent, J.P. Barry.

"Mats has been involved in United Nations charities for quite a while," said Barry, explaining Sundin's decision to participate.

"It's a charity he likes. He knows the people who are involved and so it's something that makes sense to him."

Sundin made the decision to play in the exhibition, knowing full well that his presence will create a media circus.

To date, the former Maple Leafs captain has yet to announce his plans for the coming season.

An unrestricted free agent, Sundin has been wooed by half-a-dozen NHL teams since he hit the open market back on July 1, including three from Canada — Toronto, the Montreal Canadiens and the Vancouver Canucks. Other suitors with interest in Sundin's services include the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 37-year-old Sundin has given no firm indication if he plans to return to the NHL for an 18th season, play at home in Sweden, take a sabbatical from the game or retire altogether — and Barry said yesterday nothing's changed on that front.

"There is no answer as yet," Barry said. "We want him to make sure he's 100 per cent either way, so he should take his time."

By next Friday, however, Sundin may have a clearer idea of his plans.

The Festival Cup is one of the several events that will kick off the first weekend of the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival.

NHL stars confirmed for the event include Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks), Jason Spezza (Ottawa Senators), Curtis Joseph (Maple Leafs), Matt Stajan (Maple Leafs), Robyn Regehr (Calgary Flames), Mike Cammalleri ( Flames), Sean Avery (Dallas Stars) and Andrew Ference (Boston Bruins).

The Hollywood celebrity list features, among others, Tim Robbins, Alan Thicke, D.B. Sweeney, Cameron Bancroft and director Jason Reitman.

All proceeds raised from the event will go to support Right To Play, an organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

"I believe in the positive power of sport and play for children," said Wayne Gretzky, honorary chair of Right To Play's Canadian advisory board.

"In addition to keeping kids out of trouble and engaging them in a constructive activity, sports teach children many lessons and values including teamwork and determination. The Festival Cup is a great opportunity to help support the important initiatives of Right To Play."