Shoot for the Stars event set for Sunday

There will be prizes galore, souvenir items, autograph-signings and, most of all, an exciting hockey game between the leading high school players of Ocean and Monmouth counties later this month.

The 10th annual Jim Dowd Foundation Shoot for the Stars benefit takes place Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Red Bank Armory.

"We got our roster finalized and everything is going great," said Brick native Jim Dowd, who played last season with the New Jersey Devils, which also was the first of eight different teams he has played for in his 14-year career.

The first 400 kids at the game will receive a pack of New Jersey Devils player cards.

The first 400 people will receive a free Shoot for the Stars Foundation clear bag and hockey stick pin.

Admission is $10 per ticket, and tickets will be on sale at the door.

Proceeds from the Jim Dowd Foundation Shoot for the Stars game this year goes to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County. The Ocean County chapter is the fastest growing in the state and the fifth fastest growing in the nation.

There also will be a 50/50 and a prize raffle that includes a 42-inch plasma TV, a Jenkinson's Family Funpack, signed memorabilia from Devils goalie Martin Brodeur and other NHL players, and other prizes.

Dowd, who also attended the inaugural Brick Kickoff Carnival held last week that commemorated the school's 50th anniversary, will be on hand for a signing, and to speak with fans and longtime acquaintances from his Brick hometown who are at the game.

Former Brick Hockey Club star James Riemsdyk, recently selected No. 2 in the NHL draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston College goalie Joe Pearce of Brick will drop the puck for the opening faceoff in the game. Van Riemsdyk was the Most Valuable Player in the 2004 game for Monmouth, which won, 6-2.

Monmouth has dominated the series in recent years, winning the last five games and outscoring Ocean 36-11 in that stretch. Monmouth, which has won six of the nine previous games, won last year's game, 6-2.

Below are the rosters for Sunday night's game:

Monmouth County All-Stars

Goalie - Gary Kondler, CBA; Matt Deering, St. John Vianney.

Defense - Matt Zuppe, CBA; Trevor VanRiemsdyk, CBA; Matt DeBonis, Wall; Tim Higgins, Manasquan; Eric DelMaestro, Middletown South.

Forwards - Mark Rivera, CBA; Eric Sudman, CBA; Alex DePalma, CBA; Lou Amato, CBA; Mike Criscuolo, Middletown North; Drew Koehler, Middletown North; Joe Sonatore, Middletown South; Jesse Krauss, Red Bank Catholic; Kevin Pecca, Red Bank Catholic.

Coach - Mike Reynolds, CBA; Assistant - Ryan Bogan, CBA.

Ocean County All-Stars:

Goalie - Todd Hankle, Monsignor Donovan; Liam Emberson, Toms River East.

Defense - Chris Fletcher, Monsignor Donovan; Dan Grothues, Monsignor Donovan; Eric Ryder, Toms River East; John Mennona, Toms River East; James Murphy, Brick.

Forward - Colton Hurley, Monsignor Donovan; Ken Yasenchock, Monsignor Donovan; Mike Seyglinski, Monsignor Donovan; Bobby Manetta, Monsignor Donovan; Eric Talty, Brick Memorial; Travis Foster, Toms River East; Nicco Palmero, Toms River North; Jeff Sowell, Point Pleasant; Chris Wollerman, Point Pleasant.

Coach - Bob Gialanella, Toms River East; Assistant - Graham Borg, Toms River East.