NHLPA sets up an auction to benefit Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund

TORONTO - A hockey stick autographed by Sidney Crosby and jerseys signed by Nicklas Lidstrom and Saku Koivu are among the items being auctioned off in support of the Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund, the National Hockey League Players' Association said Monday.

The online auction on EBay was launched Saturday, with all proceeds in support of scholarships and various youth-related initiatives in honour of Bourdon, the former Vancouver Canucks player who died in a motorcycle accident last May.

"NHLPA members are proud to support the Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund through this charity auction," Paul Kelly, the NHLPA executive director, said in a statement. "Luc was truly a great friend and teammate of many, and this auction will help honour Luc."

The Canucks donated numerous items including Roberto Luongo's blocker and glove, and an autographed Luongo jersey.

The Luc Bourdon Memorial Fund will be officially launched in 2009.