Sold out game at Northern Carleton Civic Centre a huge success
It was standing room only at the NHL Legends of Hockey game on Saturday, March 29. The game, which came about after a providential conversation between Steve Walton, president of NHL Legends, and Jill Whitehouse, District of Carleton North Recreation Manager for the District of Carleton North, was played before a sold-out crowd at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre.
Eight former NHL legends with illustrious careers faced off against a Carleton North hockey alumni team. The NHL Legends team included Bernie Nicholls, Ron Duguay, Ron Sutter, Rich Sutter, Rick Vaive, Darius Kasparaitis, Lucien Deblois, and Brian Skrudland. The legends proved that youth was no match for skill and won the game 9-6.
The game opened with the McAloon Sisters singing the national anthem. District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey delivered welcome remarks, thanking all the volunteers, including members of the local fire departments who provided security and parking assistance and helped make the night run smoothly.
Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson was also in the stands, cheering. In addressing the crowd, she said hockey is an excellent metaphor for the troublesome times we find ourselves in, encouraging everyone to keep their “elbows up!”
The opening ceremonies concluded with local businessman and farmer Chip Hunter dropping the ceremonial puck. Hunter was instrumental in developing the Carleton Minor Hockey Association.
During the second period, Carleton Minor Hockey players, who participated in a workshop with the NHL legends earlier in the day, were invited onto the ice. There, they had a chance to compete against the former professionals.
A 50/50 draw was also held during the game, with half of the proceeds supporting the minor hockey association. Ginelle Martin was the lucky winner of the other half of the funds, totalling $1252.50.
The evening concluded with a reception at the R.G. Veysey Centre following the game. The extra ticketed event allowed attendees to enjoy refreshments while meeting the NHL legends and getting autographs.
The sell-out crowd attended for many reasons—some said they were there because of their love of hockey, while others came to see some of the retired NHL hockey heroes up close and personal.
Stuart Abels, who recently moved to New Brunswick, had seen the NHL Legends tour when he lived in British Colombia.
“I hadn’t been to a hockey game here [in New Brunswick] yet, so I wanted to come out,” he said.
Charlie Leslie was there to support her husband, Luke Leslie, who was playing with the alumni team and the youth.
“I knew it was going to be a fundraiser for Carleton Minor Hockey,” said Leslie, noting that sports help promote the well-being of kids, “And that’s what this is all about.”
