Just like when the puck drops on the center dot for any game he skates in, Ryan Shannon wondered what would be in store for his first ever “Big Assist” exhibition hockey game and fund-raiser for the Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation at Darien Ice Rink last night.

“We didn’t know what to expect coming into an inaugural event,” said Shannon of the event he and his dad Pat started, all to aid those living with spinal injury and disease. “And, from the decision to do it last summer, to putting everything into action, with the help of the Foundation, my father, Jamie Tropsa, all of the sponsors, it turned out to be a great event.”