RIDER HOCKEY TEAM KEEPS WINNING
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| Photo courtesy Brent Just |
By John Cairns
Battlefords News-Optimist
Battlefords members of Rider Nation were in full force at the Civic Centre Saturday afternoon to see Saskatchewan Roughriders … hockey?
Yes, it was hockey that was the attraction on the weekend. It was skates, not football cleats, that the Roughriders laced up this weekend for a good cause – raising money for Battlefords Minor Football.
The day consisted of an autograph session that featured several Roughriders. Among those in attendance were Chris Milo, Tristan Black, Eddie Russ, Andre Lalonde and Jordan Sisco.
The event was part of the Roughriders’ Rider Pride Hockey Challenge tour that has been in action in other Saskatchewan communities this CFL off-season.
On display in the main concourse of the Civic Centre were a number of silent auction items that included signed jerseys from the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr. As well, a package of items that included a signed George Reed jersey netted over $1,200 during the live auction portion of the event.
There were long lineups for the autograph session and for the display of items up for bid. Attendance for the game rivalled what the North Stars would draw during the season.
The charity game was split into two 35-minute halves. The Roughriders took on the Battlefords Minor Football All-stars in the first half and won that contest 9-5.
The second half took place against the Western Canada Montreal Canadiens Fan Club from Saskatoon, a lineup that included local radio personality and Habs fan Nick Fransoo from Q98.
That contest featured some unusual calls by the officials. At one point Chris Getzlaf was awarded a penalty shot, but both he and the Montreal goalie were called for “illegal sticks,” resulting in Getzlaf having to shoot using a tiny hockey stick while the netminder defended with a giant stick. Needless to say, the goaltender won that battle.
A penalty shot was also called against the Roughriders, but the attempt by Fransoo was also stopped.
In the end, the Roughriders prevailed over the Canadiens fan club 6-4. Helping the cause was a goal by Riders kicker Chris Milo which, according to the rules, counted for three points.
The most impressive Riders player on the ice in the goal-scoring department, however, was Getzlaf – not surprising as he is the brother of Stanley Cup winner Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks.
“Any time you can go out there and raise some money it’s good times,” said Getzlaf to reporters after the game.
He was also impressed by the good turnout.
“I think it’s amazing. It’s exactly what you expect in this province. Our fans are nothing but passionate, nothing but the best in the league. So coming out to events like this is a lot of fun, you know we’ve got the fan support there.”
I heard the Riders staff/admin have a couple former junior and pro players that are considered their secret weapons in these games. That would help.