CANTLON: BELESKY CARES ABOUT OTHERS

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings

HARTFORD, CT – Monday, the traditional day off during the pro hockey season, was a day of giving for the Hartford Wolf Pack’s Matt Beleskey. He was carrying on a tradition that he’s been doing for much of his pro career.

It’s a tradition that started with his wife, Victoria, back in Boston when he befriended the owner of “Mike’s,” Boston’s North End and iconic pastry shop on Hanover Street. He has been handing out Thanksgiving pies to the homeless.

“We went around to the homeless shelters around Boston delivering the pies. It’s a great thing to do. Every time we went out in Boston, we would go there (Mike’s) and they’re great people and the program was so good,” Beleskey, a Barrie, Ontario native, said.

This year, Beleskey went local by picking up and paying for 25 pies from Highland Park Market in Manchester.

“It was funny. My wife reminded me, ‘What are we doing for Thanksgiving this year to give back to the community?’ We weren’t able to do it last year as we were in mid-transition coming from New York, but I’m glad we’re back doing it this year.

“We reached to shelter, The House of Bread, which is actually close to the arena located in downtown, they’re going to be serving over 900 meals the next three days. So my wife and my daughter (Ivy) we did it Monday.

“The House of Bread makes a difference in the community and the world. If I can do something to help out, I will gladly do it. I love to get out into the community to do this and who doesn’t love Thanksgiving dinner and the pie that goes with it?” Beleskey stated with a broad smile and a chuckle.

Who doesn’t love a good Thanksgiving meal and the Beleskey’s go top-shelf to help the community wherever hockey has taken them and they live in.

The House of Bread is located at 27 Chestnut Street in Hartford.