Sheehy signed for ‘pull’

“Pulling for Peace” announced yesterday that former NHL “tough guy” Neil Sheehy has signed with Team USA for the 2013 International Tug-of-War next July.
“I could have pulled for Team Canada,” noted Sheehy, who was born in Fort Frances and has dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship.

“But I wanted to be on the wining team!” he added.
Sheehy, a tough defenceman who never shied away from a fight, grew up in International Falls and played nine seasons in the NHL.
He successfully shadowed Wayne Gretzky when Calgary overcame Edmonton in the playoffs on the path to the Stanley Cup final in 1986.
“Pulling for Peace” conducts the annual International Tug-of-War across the Rainy River, which marks the border between Canada and the U.S., as part of “International Peaceful Borders Day” proclaimed by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in appreciation of “the blessings of good friends and good neighbours across peaceful borders.”
The two countries share the longest undefended border in the world and have had peaceful relations for nearly 200 years.
“Getting Neil here for next year’s tug-of-war just about guarantees us a victory,” said International Falls Mayor Tim “Chopper” McBride.
“Neil is a winner–we might as well inscribe the trophy now.
“Team Canada might as well sit this one out,” McBride chided.
Shawn Mason, development director for International Falls, noted Team USA celebrity talent scout Robin Bjorkquist has several more big-time prospects just about ready to commit.
“I think Robin has learned a thing or two from Neil, who became an agent after he hung up his skates,” Mason added.
“Neil knows how to close a deal and so does Robin.”
Mason said with more and more celebrities making the trip to International Falls for the International Tug-of-War, “Pulling for Peace” is adding a charity dinner in support of Backus the night before.
The next “Pulling for Peace” International Tug-of-War is scheduled for 5 p.m. on July 2, 2013.
More information is available at www.pullingforpeace.com