PLYMOUTH - There were a lot of goals scored during today’s Plymouth Whalers alumni game, played at Compuware Arena for the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan.

But there were more smiles than goals in the event - from the players who put on a fun show, to the fans who appreciated the efforts of the players.  After the game, the fans gave the players a standing ovation.  In return, the players stood as a group at center ice and saluted the fans.

Billed as the “Champions for a Hunger Free Summer”, Team White defeated Team Blue, 11-8, during a scrimmage that ran two 25-minute periods. The Blues came back to win the shootout afterwards, 4-2.

Hockey is back in business in Plymouth for 2012-13 and hungry people benefited today.

Jesse Boulerice – a late addition to the game after finding a flight Friday from North Carolina – scored the hat trick to lead the Whites.  James Neal and Mark Cadotte scored two each as the Whites raced to an 8-2 lead after the first period.

Chris Terry scored the hat trick to the Blues, who stormed back in the second period to make the game interesting.

Duane Harmer, James Sheehan, Chris Terry and J.D. Eaton lit the lamp in the shootout for the Blues. Mike Morrone and Mark Cadotte replied in the shootout for the Whites.

The players participated with fans in an autograph session before the game.  Jason Carriere of Cleveland, OH drove a long way with his son to see the game and mix with the players in the autograph session.

“My son is six years old and just started playing hockey last year,” Carriere said.  “He likes Tyler Seguin and the Bruins. My parents live in Plymouth, so we catch three or four games a year.  This is the first time we’ve ever come to an alumni game.  We love hockey and this (the Whalers) is a great organization.  A lot of players here get drafted, the team makes the playoffs and it’s very exciting hockey.”

Plymouth starts the 2012-13 season with training camp in late August, with the first preseason game set for Sat. Sept. 1 against Windsor at Yack Arena in Wyandotte at 7:05 pm.

The Whalers home opener is Sat. Sept. 22 at 7:05 pm at Compuware Arena against Belleville.