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Gulls’ Bill Walton Legacy Night will honor San Diego icon, raise money for UC San Diego Health – elcajon newson Elcajon News only

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The San Diego Gulls will host the Toronto Marlies on Friday night, and it will be, to quote the game’s honoree, the most important hockey game in the history of mankind.

The Gulls will remember San Diego sports icon Bill Walton on Friday night, donning blue and orange tie-dye jerseys and giving away bobbleheads to the first 8,000 fans in attendance at Pechanga Anrea.

Walton, a La Mesa native, graduate of Helix High School and longtime Marston Hills resident, died May 27 from colon cancer. The legendary basketball player and colorful broadcaster was 71.

Walton, a fan of the Gulls (and Padres and Aztecs, too), would love the vibe of Friday’s game.

The Electric Waste Band, a Grateful Dead cover band that Walton frequently played with, will perform all night long in the Viejas Casino Concert Stage at Pechanga Arena. Mason Ale Works is selling Light the Lamp Lager beers in Walton-themed cans for $5.

The San Diego Gulls Foundation will auction off the game-worn tie-dye jerseys, with proceeds benefiting UC San Diego Health. Raffle tickets are $10 and will be available on the concourse by Section 10. For $25, fans can buy a “Surprise Puck”; five of them will include vouchers for another Gulls gift or Gulls gear. Authentic tie-dye jerseys, complete with the Grateful Dead’s “Steal Your Face” skull, are available for sale on the Gulls’ website for $275.

Walton’s widow, Lori, has donated Walton’s personal Gulls and Anaheim Ducks jerseys to the auction. Fans can bid on them, in addition to other items, at SanDiegoGulls.com/Auction or by texting WALTONLEGACY to 767278.

The San Diego Gulls Will Sport Tie-Dye Jerseys On Friday Night To Honor San Diego Legend Bill Walton. (San Diego Gulls)

Proceeds from the auction will support UC San Diego Health’s plan to name a new orthopedic surgery clinic at its Hillcrest Campus in honor of Dr. Steve Garfin. Garfin performed an 8 1/2-hour spinal surgery on Walton in 2009. Walton, who said he was in so much pain before the surgery that he was suicidal, frequently credited Garfin for saving his life.

Tributes from those in sports, media and music poured in when Walton died in May. The Boston Celtics wore tie-dye shooting shirts before Game 1 of last year’s NBA Finals with the name “Walton” on the front.

The G League’s San Diego Clippers honored Walton Nov. 9, donning powder blue and orange uniforms and naming the Frontwave Arena court after the longtime star.

San Diego'S Bill Walton Was Honored At Many Gulls Games Over The Years. (San Diego Gulls)
San Diego’s Bill Walton Was Honored At Many Gulls Games Over The Years. (San Diego Gulls)

Earlier this month, Walton’s Helix teammates remembered Walton during halftime of the Highlanders’ game against University City. Gary Seiler, a Helix grad, read narratives written by high school teammates Mike Dupree and Randy Madsen.

Walton’s alma mater, UCLA, will commemorate Walton’s life before the Bruins’ Feb. 23 game against Ohio State.

At the midway point of the 2024-25 season, the Gulls are 12-22-4-2 and stuck in last place in the American Hockey League’s Pacific Division. The visiting Marlies (23-11-2-3) are in fourth place in the seven-team North Division. The teams played Wednesday night, with the Marlies winning 5-3.

No matter — Walton, and those there to honor him, would certainly consider Friday’s game the biggest ever.

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