Former Toronto Maple Leafs player Eddie Shack refereed, television announcer Brian Williams called the play-by-play and a special educational fund at North York General Hospital was the beneficiary, thanks to a hockey game Wednesday in memory of a popular doctor.Dr. Emil Orsini, a 53-year-old father of three, died unexpectedly of an unknown medical condition on Oct. 3 while on vacation in Denmark with his wife of 26 years, Joanne.
Orsini, an orthopedic surgeon with North York General for 18 years, was known as a remarkable, compassionate surgeon who was also a skilled athlete with an exceptional zest for life.
"Emil will forever be remembered as a passionate man who seized each day living life to the fullest," his death notice at the time said.
"He was a dedicated family man, skilled and gifted orthopedic surgeon, talented athlete, natural coach and teacher as well as being a good friend to all."
Orsini was known for his motto "Work hard, play harder."
On Wednesday, a hockey game in his honour was held at Cummer Park Arena at Cummer Avenue and Leslie Street.
The game featured North York General physicians and members of Orsini's family, who called themselves the North York Generals, squaring off against a team of Toronto-area physicians.
The Generals scored with seconds remaining in the final period to tie the score 5-5. In the shootout, the team of Toronto physicians won 3-0, claiming the inaugural Orsini Challenge Cup.
Shack, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, volunteered as referee while Williams, one of the hospital's biggest supporters, called out the play-by-play.
The game raised about $15,000, which will be used towards a special education fund in Orsini's name through the hospital foundation. The ultimate goal is to raise $250,000 for the Dr. Emil Orsini Memorial Fund.