The Fort Frances Lakers will hold their first game of the season at The Duke Arena on Couchiching First Nation this Sunday afternoon as they take on the first-place Dryden GM Ice Dogs. The Lakers are partnering with the Couchiching First Nation Health Team to collect items for families fleeing domestic abuse situations.
With Anthony and William Yerxa playing on the Lakers team this year, the game will be a homecoming of sorts for the Couchiching residents.
The Lakers will be collecting non-perishable food items, toiletries and personal care items, blankets, towels and other household items, children’s activities, and clothing essentials. Those who bring in a donation will be eligible to win a $500 gas gift card for CC Complex.
There will also be local organizations on hand with resources and information about programs and support throughout the Rainy River District.
The afternoon will kick off with opening ceremonies at 2:45 p.m. featuring opening remarks from Chief Richard Bruyere and Deputy Grand Chief Cheyenne Vandermeer, with the national anthem performed by the Broken Horn Drum.
Puck drop is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
After almost a week idle, the Lakers toppled the Red Lake Miners on Tuesday in a 6-1 mid-week clash at Cochenour Arena.
Depending on the results of games in the intervening time, the Lakers may come into the game in third place in the SIJHL standings after the week off, whereas the Dryden Ice Dogs have leapfrogged the Thunder Bay North Stars to take over first place. Both Thunder Bay and Fort Frances have a game in hand over Dryden as of Thursday.
The Lakers will be on the road at Kam River on Saturday before Sunday’s contest, and Dryden will be in Kam River Friday night.
In their first meeting of the season, the Lakers beat Dryden 4-3 in overtime.
Admission for the game will be $5 for ages 6-12, $10 for ages 13-18 and $15 for 18+. The Lakers will be running a canteen for the game.
