Some former members of the NHL’s most successful franchise will play for charity in Flin Flon this winter.
A team made up of Montreal Canadiens alumni will face off against a squad of local players at the Whitney Forum on Dec. 3. The game will be a fundraiser for the Women’s Resource Centre.
“It’s an exciting event with some of the best players from the Montreal Canadiens’ history,” said Colleen Arnold, executive director of the Women’s Resource Centre.
Nine former Habs will play during the game, with two players from town joining them on the team. One spot will be occupied by local player – and Canadiens super-fan – Marty Ledoux.
The other team will be made of 15 local players aged 35 or older. Each roster spot will be filled by players who make donations to the Women’s Resource Centre.
Arnold said six players – Kurt Bailey, Brad Clark, Rob Hart, Mike Jones, Curtis McCombie and Pat McKenzie – are confirmed to play.
“The team will just be made up of whoever who wants to join,” said Arnold.
Standard beer league rules, including no slap shots or body checking, will apply for the game.
Other positions in the game, including volunteer coach spots, will also be available to donors to the Women’s Resource Centre.
A charity hockey game of this calibre hasn’t been played in Flin Flon since 2003, when Eddie Shack’s Oldtimers’ Hockey Challenge raised nearly $2,000 for Flin Flon Special Olympics with a charity game.
Arnold confirmed there will be a post-game meet and greet session with the players at the Unwinder for VIP ticket holders, which will include autographs and a draw for signed memorabilia.
