Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

The Town of McLennan has agreed to $500 sponsorship package in support of the Smoky River Regional Golf Course’s upcoming hockey fundraiser featuring the National Hockey League Alumni team. Town council placed its stamp of approval on decision at its Feb. 11 regular meeting following a request from golf course society president Terry Calliou. “We are seeking financial support in the form of sponsorship from the municipality, and other businesses in the region, to cover the expense of an event program which will be available for a small fee to all patrons attending this event,” Calliou explains in the letter. A motion to sponsor a Town of McLennan full page advertisement in the program came from Councillor Eckhard Christen, who acknowledged the importance of the event to the community. “As the host community, I believe it’s only fitting that we show our full support for this rare and unique event,” he pointed out. Those sentiments were echoed by Coun. Robert Bisson, who says there’s a lot of excitement and anticipation about the upcoming event. “I personally have no problem supporting the motion,” he said, adding that the event will lead to positive economic spin-off effects in the town and region. “It’s going to bring a lot of people to our community.” The program will include background information on all NHL alumni players participating in the March 15 event at H.W. Fish Arena as well as the rosters of the McLennan Red Wings senior men’s team and the Lakeland Eagles North Peace Hockey League alumni team. Both teams are squaring off against the NHL Alumni squad in back-to-back hockey matinee games that day to help raise funds for the Smoky River Regional Golf Course Society. The first game will feature the Red Wings and NHL Alumni, which will be followed by a brief intermission prior to the second game between the two alumni squads. “We’re hoping to combine proceeds from the event with government grant funding to cover the cost of a new water irrigation system and general contour (elevated tee-off boxes) improvements,” Calliou explains. Other fundraising initiatives being discussed include 50/50 draws as well as Zamboni timed raffle draws. Coinciding with the event will be an autograph session that evening at the Elks Hall in addition to a silent/live auction including rare National Hockey League memorabilia. “We’ll have everything from autographed jerseys, pictures, photos and sticks, to golf clubs and Edmonton Oilers tickets,” says former NHL player Wayne Babych, adding that it’s a great opportunity for fans of the game to pick up some unique memorabilia. A limited number of 1,000 tickets have been printed for this rare hockey event with individual prices set at $20 (adults) and $15 (children). All tickets must be purchased in advance by contacting Calliou at 324-2721 or member of the golf course society executive. Tickets are also available at the town office.

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