‘Legends’ hitting the ice next week

FORT FRANCES—Fort Frances is slated to be home for several former National Hockey League stars next week—even if it is only for one night.
The NHL “Legends” squad—featuring Hall of Famers Bryan Trottier, Billy Smith, and Dale Hawerchuk along with former greats Glenn Anderson, Bob Bourne, and Gary Leeman—will square off against Hopper’s Bruins in the fourth-annual charity game on Friday, Jan. 19 at the Ice for Kids Arena.
Tickets cost $15 each, which can be purchased at Skates & Blades, Cooper Chiropractic, and Lakeland Personnel, or from any member of the Hopper’s Bruins.
All proceeds will go towards to the “Just Imagine” campaign for a CT Scanner at La Verendrye Hospital.
Event organizer Bob Mainville, who suits up for Hopper’s Bruins, is hoping to surpass last year’s total amount raised when the game benefited the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association.
“We did OK last year,” Mainville said. “I’m hoping we do better this year with the proceeds going to the [CT Scanner].
“Hopefully we’ll be able to give them a couple of thousand [dollars].”
For those expecting a relaxed game of hockey, think again. Trottier and his “Legends” teammates are determined to win this year after being soundly trounced a year ago.
“The guys in town handed us our butts the last time we were there so we owe them a little bit,” Trottier said. “We have to throw down the gauntlet again and challenge them.”
The “Legends” have recruited some young legs to join their team this time around in an effort to ensure victory.
Muskies Zach and Cody McCool, Mike Jourdain, and Joe Basaraba all will suit up with the NHL veterans for the game.
In addition to the game itself, the NHL “Legends” are scheduled to speak at several local schools next Friday afternoon. The itinerary had not been finalized as of press time last night, but Mainville had hoped the “Legends” would be able to visit all six schools.
Trottier said the school visits are a meaningful part of their visit.
“It’s an overwhelming reason for us,” he remarked. “We feel we can deliver a nice message to the kids and give them a little bit of our testimonials as to how school affected us growing up, and what it can do for you as far as your self-esteem and your growth.”
Time permitting, there also are tentative plans for the “Legends” to visit patients at La Verendrye Hospital who might not otherwise get a chance to see the players.
Anyone wishing to make arrangements for an NHL “Legend” to visit a sick loved one is asked to contact Mainville.