Staal brothers' charity becomes title sponsor of PGA Tour Canada event

THUNDER BAY, Ont. - The Staal name is well-known in hockey circles, but this summer it will be associated with a different sport.

The Staal Family Foundation, a charity founded by brothers Eric, Jordan, Marc and Jared Staal, has signed a three-year agreement to become the title sponsor of PGA Tour Canada's Thunder Bay Golf Classic.

The event, which debuts July 14 at the Whitewater Golf Club, will be known as the Staal Foundation Open presented by TbayTel.

"When we heard PGA Tour Canada was coming to Thunder Bay, we jumped at the chance to attach our name to the event," said Eric Staal, captain of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes. "It's going to be a really exciting week of sport and entertainment and we think the Staal Family Foundation is a great fit.

"We love our hometown, and just like PGA Tour Canada, we're passionate about family, charity and our community."

Jordan and Jared Staal are also members of the Hurricanes organization, while Marc Staal is a defenceman with the New York Rangers.