It is after courageously overcoming pancreatic cancer that Charles Henry, one of the leading builders in the QMJHL is beginning a new adventure and at the same time, a dream. This former Ottawa firefighter will visit the Great Wall of China this week, with his son Michael, to raise money in the fight against pancreatic cancer, the most deadly form of this serious disease.

During his long and difficult struggle, Charles Henry never gave up hoping and believed in himself. He and his son are now headed to conquer the Great Wall of China in order to solicit donations for the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation of Canada. His son Michael will be posting pictures and anecdotes on the foundation’s web page.

Charles Henry left his mark in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in many ways. He is arguably one of the most influential builders of junior hockey in Quebec. He was at the helm of the Hull / Gatineau Olympique as general manager and governor from 1985 to 2010. His arrival with the Olympiques in 1985 coincided with the purchase of the franchise by his great friend and partner, Wayne Gretzky.

Under Henry’s reign, the Olympiques made the playoffs 27 years in a row. They lifted the President Cup a record seven times and they even got the chance to win the prestigious Memorial Cup in 1997, in front of their supporters.

Many of today’s professionals got their first chance with Charles Henry who is said to have a remarkable eye for finding talent. Former Olympiques such as Luc Robitaille, Jeremy Roenick, Maxime Talbot, José Théodore, Claude Giroux, Alain Vigneault, Claude Julien and Pat Burns got their start with the Olympiques which helped propel their careers.

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League wants to congratulate Charles Henry and his son for undertaking this new adventure. We also invite the fans to make a donation in the fight against pancreatic cancer by clicking here. Good Luck Mr. Henry!