A Huge Thank You to The Well Church, Hockey Night, and Scott DesAutel!

Todd Trainor, Bendix Academy Founder, accepts $8000 check and Bendix Academy Hockey Night trophy shirt!

​We are deeply grateful to The Well Church and event organizer Scott DesAutel for selecting Bendix Academy as a beneficiary of this year’s Hockey Night fundraiser. Thanks to their generosity and the support of everyone who participated, Bendix Academy received an incredible $8,000 to support our Toolmanship Mentoring Program — helping us provide hands-on skills training, guidance, and opportunities to students eager to learn and grow.

And yes — we’re obsessed with our brand-new Bendix Academy hockey jersey, now proudly displayed in our workshop! It even features our very favorite colors. What a wonderful symbol of partnership, community spirit, and the power of coming together to invest in the next generation of problem-solvers and makers.

Ice Job, Team — What an Amazing Event!

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you to everyone who made Hockey Night such an incredible experience! We’re still in awe. From the moment we arrived, it was clear how much energy, care, and community spirit had gone into planning the event. The Wells Church and everyone behind Hockey Night truly gave Livingston County something special.

Hockey Night Heroes Face Off

Detroit Red Wings legends Mickey Redmond, John Ogrodnick, Danny DeKeyser, and Drew Miller were among 45 former players who took the ice as part of the Red Wings Alumni Team for an exciting afternoon game against the Well Saints.

Stick Taps to Hockey Night for an Unforgettable Evening!

“I just woke up a few minutes ago and my brain is still spinning taking it all in.”

The game kicked off with a special puck drop by one of the Red Wings’ celebrated Stanley Cup champions, Vladimir Konstantinov! In a very special moment, Dani Probert presented Vladimir with a meaningful keepsake, something he once gave to her late husband, the beloved Red Wing Bob Probert.

Stanley Cup Stars Winning Small Town Hearts

After the game everyone moved from the Ice Den in Howell to Chemung Hills in Brighton to prepare for food and festivities while casting bids on the wonderful items for auction, including a Chris Osgood Autographed Stanley Cup, signed memorabilia, gift baskets, vacation venues, and the super-exciting 2025 Yamaha VX Deluxe Waverunner!

We loved the venue. We loved the food. But most of all, we loved meeting so many people who genuinely wanted to learn about our mission and support the work we do. The room was filled with generosity — not just in dollars, but in time, passion, and kindness.

It truly was a team effort — and it showed! You pulled off a power play of community, compassion, and celebration. 

A Hat Trick of Fun and Fundraising

It truly was a team effort — and it showed. You pulled off a power play of community, compassion, and celebration. Thank you for your hearts, your hospitality, and your help in moving our mission forward. This was more than a fundraiser — it was a night to remember.

The Well Saints Slap-Shot It Out of the Rink!

As one of our team shared the next morning:

“This was a first for me and our organization. Better yet — we didn’t have to organize it. I am very grateful to you and everyone at The Well Church.”

From all of us at Bendix Academy:
Thank you for believing in what we do!

Learn more about the mission behind Hockey Night to change lives in this interview with Schott DesAutel, Founder, Hockey Night in Brighton.

Read more articles like this in the most recent edition of Toolman Tips, Bendix Academy's quarterly newsletter!

Book Bendix Academy for Your Next Event

Bring the inspiring mission of Bendix Academy to your organization or group! Todd Trainor and Wendy Zielen offer engaging presentations on "Tomorrow's Toolment Today," blending stories of mentorship, mechanical skills, and community impact. Whether you’re reminiscing about shop class or exploring how to empower the next generation, their talks spark connections and inspire action. Perfect for schools, community groups, professional organizations, and more.

 

Contact us today to book your session and join the revival!