On February 5, Montréal Canadien legends will be flying down the ice at Drumheller Memorial Arena. On Friday, a list of local players who will be on the ice was released.
Habs alumni, which include Guy Lafleur as coach and other greats like Steve Shutt and Richard Sevigny will be playing in a charity game to raise funds for the Badlands Community Facility. Some childhood dreams are coming true, as 22 have signed up as Drumheller All-Stars.
Jeremy Peters describes himself as more of a pond hockey player and followed in his brother’s footsteps cheering for Club de Hockey Canadien from day one. It is a thrill to share the ice with these players.
“I was fortunate enough to watch them win the cup in 1993, I was only 12 years old so that was huge for me,” chuckles Peters. “Since then it has been pretty rough.”
“It is going to be a lot of fun, and it will be cool to meet all those guys.”
Mark Sheeler describes himself more as an original six fan, than a Montreal fan per se. In fact, playing across the ice from the Habs is fitting for him, and if he had to pick, he would have put on a blue and white sweater instead. Despite this, it is going to be the experience of lifetime.
“Guy Lafleur, and Steve Shutt, I grew up watching these guys,” said Sheeler.
Sheeler did run into a bit of a snag, however. While he was practicing up for the game he suffered a broken wrist and will be riding the pine.
While there are 22 facing the Canadiens alumni, three will stand with Habs. The Mail brought readers the story of Bob Scott fulfilling a dream to work the bench with Lafleur in the January 15 edition. He will be joined on the Alumni bench by skaters Paul Richard and Marcel Augey.
Augey said his father introduced him to the Canadiens and he has become a diehard fan. This is an experience of a lifetime for him. He has met Lafleur once, and he is looking forward to playing for him next Wednesday.
Members of the Habs Alumni confirmed for the game includes Richard Sévigny (goalie), Gilbert Delorme, Mathieu Dandenault, Rick Green, Pierre Dagenais, Normand Dupont, Jocelyn Lemieux, Stéphane Richer, Steve Shutt, Dan Daoust, and Guy Lafleur as coach. Local Canadiens include Marcel Augey, Paul Richard and Bob Scott.
Drumheller All-Stars include Jeremy Willis, Gary Chambers, Mark Sheeler, Jeremy Peters, Kyle Suntjens, Rod Knelson, Rob Hegberg, Jason Hegberg, Laverne Bremer, Tony Pliva, Gary Chung, Donald Richard, Michael Richard, Jason James, Darren Toffan, Sheldon Straub, Shane Straub, Jason Brander, Denis St-Pierre, Darcy Schinnour, Ivo Dumancic (goalie) and Wayne Broad (goalie).
Twelve local young hockey players will also have the opportunity to go on-ice against the Canadiens Alumni as thanks for the players and their parents for their support of the event by selling game tickets.
