Any hockey fan that has lived in B.C. for a number of years will recognize the names Cliff Ronning and Kirk MacLean - two former stars for the Vancouver Canucks who became fan favourites and are among the clubs most beloved players.
Now Canuck fans will have another opportunity to see them lace up their skates as they come into town to square off against the Squamish Bald Eagles next Saturday night (Mar. 24) at Brennan Park in a charity fundraiser.
"This is always a lot of fun, and it's great entertainment for the whole family," said Ray Lacoursiere, team manager for the Eagles.
The two teams squared off once before, at a previous charity game held three years ago, and it was such a success, the Squamish Old-Timers team wanted to bring the former NHL players to town one more time.
"It's a really great opportunity for fans," said Lacoursiere. "There will be a silent auction, and a puck toss (for souvenirs). After the game the players will be available for autographs to sign programs or whatever fans bring with them."
If getting your old hockey cards signed isn't enough, one of the silent auction items will be an autographed Canucks jersey.
"The players all have a lot of fun touring the province and helping out different charities," said Norm Jewison, alumni liaison for the Canucks.
Jewison has yet to finalize the roster for which NHL veterans will be appearing at the game, but will hope to have that list available by early next week.
The Eagles expect that, based on how well the exhibition game did in 2004, this year's event will be of great benefit to local charities.
"It costs us $3,000 to bring them here, with that going to different charities that the Canucks support," said Lacoursiere. "After that any money raised goes to the charity we support."
This year's charity is The Breakfast Club, which provides hot breakfasts to students at Squamish elementary schools. In the past the exhibition game was able to raise a few thousand dollars for local charities, according to Lacoursiere.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at Style Zone or at the door, and cost $5 for children and seniors, and $8 for adults.
