Get ready to party like it’s 1999 on 67’s Legacy Night
When the Ottawa 67’s host the Erie Otters on Sunday, March 3, 2024they’ll be honouring their storied past as one of junior hockey’s most decorated franchises, with a special anniversary celebration.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ottawa’s 1999 Memorial Cup victory at the then-Ottawa Civic Centre, sealed by a Matt Zultek overtime winner in the deciding game against the Calgary Hitmen. It was a moment that will live forever in the annals of sports history in the nation’s capital, made possible by a remarkable group of players, led by the all-time greatest coach in junior hockey history: Brian Kilrea.
Sunday’s afternoon of festivities will be attended by Kilrea himself, his assistant Bert O’Brien, and trainer Jeff Keech; alongside Zultek, Mark Bell, Zenon Konopka, Dan Tessier, Jon Zion, Joe Talbot, Justin Davis, Jeremy Van Hoof, and Seamus Kotyk.
One player whose absence will be sorely felt is fan favourite Lance Galbraith, who tragically passed away in 2022. The beloved forward will be commemorated in an address during the pre-game ceremony by his teammate, and lifelong friend in Konopka, prior to the alumni in attendance being honoured as part of the festivities before to puck drop.
Legacy Night will also benefit the community, with attending players’ jerseys to be signed, and auctioned off. Proceeds will be donated in Galbraith’s name, split evenly between the Niagara Charity Centre and the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre, with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group committed to matching proceeds up to $5,000, with a goal of $10,000 raised.
The celebration will continue throughout the game, as the 1999 alumni will be signing autographs on the main concourse during the first intermission, and potentially even more surprises throughout the afternoon. The autograph signing at the first intermission is the perfect opportunity for fans to get their 1999 Ottawa 67’s team photos – being handed out to the first 2,000 fans in the building – signed by the team.
Puck drop is slated for 2:00 pm on Sunday, and the 67’s are asking that fans arrive early and head to their seats for the pregame ceremony, which will begin around 1:45 pm. There are still great seats available, so don’t miss your chance to come celebrate hockey history with the 67’s. Tickets can be purchased here.
- Offers and programming are valid only for the March 3, 2024 game.
