A team of local hockey stars will have their work cut out for them when they face some of the best former Montreal Canadiens on March 15.
The game, which will be on of the very last matchups in the historic Jubilee Arena, will be a fundraiser for the new Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre, which is scheduled to open its doors this spring. Some tickets are still available for the event, but organizers say they’re going fast.
“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — especially if you’re a big Canadiens fan,” said Vance Nakonechny, a member of the Spirit of Westlock Foundation and one of the event’s organizers.
The following former Montreal Canadiens will be among the last to take to the ice in the Jubilee Arena: Richard Sevigny, Karl Dykhuis, Mathieu Dandenault, Gilbert Delorme, Gilbert Dionne, Steve Penney, Normand Dupont, Jocelyn Lemieux, Sergio Momesso and Stéphane Richer. The legendary Guy Lafleur will direct the action from behind the bench.
They will be opposed by a formidable lineup of local talent: Ron Marcichiw, Kelvin Schram, James Kryskow, George Blais, Ian Stewart, Bruce Tyrrell, Bryan Carnegie, Rod Kaliel, Dean Fagnan, Clem Fagnan, Moe Fagnan, Ken Morrison, Rick Woitas, Brad MacIntosh, J.C.Lane, Paul DeChamplain, David Maruschak, Eldon Senkoe and Tate McNelly. Andy Boissonault coach this unruly lot.
The opportunity to play on the team was a big component of the fundraiser, with each player paying for their spot.
In addition, Gord Putman of Morinville will joint the Habs on the ice and Adolphe Boissonault will give Guy Lafleur a hand behind the Canadiens bench.
Forrest Lewko will referee the game, with the help of linesmen Rob Waldner and Curtis Bellows.
During one of the intermissions, Westlock’s Figure Skating Club Spirit teams will take to the ice to entertain the crowd, and a silent auction of memorabilia will also be held. A 50/50 draw and a series of other draws will also be held that night.
Nakonechny said not only will this be a great opportunity to raise money for the new Spirit Centre, it will be a great way for people to have one last great experience in the old Jubilee Arena.
“This will be one of the last big events held there, and there’s a lot of memories in that old arena,” he said. “It just gives people a last chance to gather in there before we move to the new one in the fall.”
Tickets are available at the Flower Shoppe in Westlock.
