SACO — In only its second year, the Face Off For a Cause charity hockey game is drawing some big names. The Michael T. Goulet Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy Foundation hopes it also draws big crowds and contributions to a worthy cause.

Sunday’s game at the MHG Ice Centre in Saco will feature the likes of former Portland Pirates Derek Whitmore and Kent Hulst, former UMaine Black Bear Matt Mangene and current Black Bear Mark Anthoine, and local stars Brian Dumoulin and John Laliberte.

However, the biggest draw is former Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque, along with his sons Chris and Ryan.

“We’re definitely excited to have Ray Bourque and his family come up and represent our foundation,” said Laliberte, who is Michael’s brother-in-law and a board member of the foundation.

Laliberte started the foundation with his wife, Candace Goulet Laliberte, and her family, in 2010 after Michael died from a Grand Mal seizure. Goulet sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2003 in a snowmobile accident at the age of 13. He underwent immediate brain surgery and went through years of rehabilition. Two years after the accident he developed a seizure disorder.

Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $30,000 through ticket sales, silent auctions and raffles. The game was coached by local comedians Bob Marley and George Hamm, and featured many of this year’s participants, as well as former Black Bear and current Detroit Red Wing Jimmy Howard, and former Bruin Rick Middleton.

“It was awesome. It’s a good cause. Its unfortunate what happened with Michael,” said Whitmore about playing in last year’s event. “For me it’s a no-brainer to help out for any good causes or charity event, and I really enjoyed myself.”

With Bourque on board and the experience of last year under their belt, Laliberte and the foundation hope to create more awareness about brain injuries and help the foundation’s cause. The foundation will be giving out 100 bike helmets with the “MTG” foundation logo on them.

“Especially now-a-days with all the concussions in hockey and football, it’s a message of ours to spread the word about safety. Prevention as well as brain injuries,” said Laliberte.

Laliberte said he hopes that the event can enlighten people to the foundation and make the community aware of its cause and its importance. Two years in, it seems like they have been successful so far, and have a solid base with which to grow, both the event and the foundation.

“I think last year we had a successful event, and I think this year, if we have another successful turnout, I think the credibility of our foundation will grow with that,” said Laliberte. “I think it becomes easier to get our message out once people have the name recognition of the Michael T. Goulet Foundation putting on that great charity hockey event every summer.

“Once people in the community understand what we’re about, then it’s a lot easier to get our actual message out and spread what we’re trying to do,” he said.

The game starts at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. The players will be holding an autograph session during intermission, and raffle and auction items include signed memorabilia, Red Sox, Patriots and Pirates tickets, as well as a weekend getaway package and gift certificates.

— Contact Wil Kramlich at 282-1535, Ext. 323