A family shelter under development in Latvia will benefit from the online sale of a book devoted to the San Jose Sharks professional hockey team, the Kids First Fund has announced.
The limited edition book, Steve Cameron’s Feeding Frenzy: The Wild New World of the San Jose Sharks, will include an autographed photograph of former Sharks goalie Artūrs Irbe in his current Rīga 2000 jersey.
Irbe, a native of Rīga, is a board member of the Kids First Fund, a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization aimed at helping abused and abandoned children in Latvia. Irbe donated the books and photographs to benefit the fund and its projects.
The book chronicles the birth of the team, detailing the early days of the franchise, the expansion draft, games at the Cow Palace and the subsequent move to the Shark Tank. It gives special attention to the fairy tale 1993-94 season in which Latvia’s dynamic duo of Irbe and Sandis Ozoliņš helped the team become Stanley Cup contenders. The 160-page embossed-cover book includes numerous color photographs and special graphics with a particular emphasis given to goalie Irbe.
Irbe was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in 1989 and began playing in the National Hockey League in 1991. He played for the Sharks from 1991 to 1996. With Irbe in the goal, the newly established Sharks made their first playoff appearance in the 1993-94 season and upset the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings. Irbe, nicknamed “The Wall,” became a cult figure in San Jose, a status he still enjoys. Irbe left the Sharks in 1996 to join the Dallas Stars and currently plays for Rīga 2000, the top hockey club in Latvia.
Only 5,000 copies of Feeding Frenzy were printed. Each book is individually hand-numbered and only a limited number are still available. The book and photo package is available online before Feb. 28 for USD 35 at BalticShop.com. Through a special arrangement with BalticShop.com, 100 percent of book sales will benefit the Kids First Fund. Latvians Online is providing informational support for the fundraiser.
For more information about the fund visit www.kidsfirstfund.org.
Sale of a book about the San Jose Sharks will benefit a family shelter in Latvia.
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I commend Arturs Irbe for his efforts to combat the abuse and abandonment of children. It is always heartening to see an athlete give back to the community!
Hallo. es veeleetos uzzinaat preciizaak, kas shii ir pa graamatu? Skaidrs, ka taa ir par Sharks veesturi, bet kas ir izdeveejs un kur var dabuut?
Thanks a lot.
What a wonderful organization and I am delighted to see that Arturs Irbe is part of this organization. I was fortunate to meet Irbe several times while he played for the Carolina Hurricanes. He was and will always be my favorite player. Thanks for the memories. I applaud you for doing so much for kids.