Blades & Raiders Renew Old Rivalry

The Saskatoon Blades Alumni in partnership with the Martensville Kinsmen Club and Cameco Corporation are pleased to announce the Kinsmen/Cameco Telemiracle Challenge. A Charity hockey game that will take place between the Saskatoon Blades Alumni and the PA Raiders Alumni on Saturday, February 25th 2006 at 2:00pm at Credit Union Centre. Later that evening, at 7:00pm, the WHL’s Blades and Raiders will face-off at Credit Union Centre. All Saskatoon Blades alumni participating in the game will be available to mix and mingle, and sign autographs at the Blades – Raiders WHL game that night, 7:00pm at Credit Union Centre. This event is a unique fundraising endeavor that will benefit the Education Scholarship Funds of the Saskatoon Blades and Prince Albert Raiders. It will also benefit The 2006 Kinsman Telemiracle.
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rTaking to the ice for your Blades Alumni will be longtime fan favorite and 1st overall selection in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft Wendel Clark, along with NHL Hall of Fame player Bernie Federko, NHL veterans Tim Cheveldae, Brian Skrudland, Brian Glynn, Curtis Leschyshyn, Kelly Chase and Brent Ashton. Also sporting the fan favorite Pac Man jersey February 25th will be Roger Kortko, Randy Smith, Larry Korchinski, Sean Yakimishyn and Dave Chartier, along with 1989 Memorial Cup Finalists Dave Struch and Scott Scissons, just to mention a few. Additional participants will be announced in the coming days.
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rMaking his return to the bench and coaching for the Blades Alumni will be Jack Mcleod, who was the Blades head coach from 1970-79. His assistant will be none other than the Mayor of Saskatoon, Don Atchison. Mayor Atchison played goal for the Blades in 1971-72 before becoming the Blades goalie coach in the late 80’s early 90’s.
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rMaking the road trip from Prince Albert will be Memorial Cup Champions Dave Manson, Pat Elynuik, Kim Issel, Dale Mcfee, Rod Dallman, Doug Hobson, Roydon Gunn and Ken Morrison. NHL veterans Rich Pilon, Dave Michalyuk along with Curt Regnier, Dave Neilson and others will also sport the traditional Raiders jersey on February 25th. Prince Albert Mayor Jim Stiglitz will be assisting with the coaching duties.
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rPrior to the event, the Blades Alumni will be holding an online auction giving Saskatoon and Prince Albert minor hockey players an opportunity to be a stick boy for either team. Visit the Blades website at www.saskatoonblades.com beginning January 16th to enter your bid.
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rDuring the game there will be a silent auction for all Blades Alumni game worn jerseys. It’s your opportunity to get a signed jersey from your favorite former Saskatoon Blade and select Prince Albert Raiders. Pre-bids will also be accepted beginning January 16th at www.saskatoonblades.com. Should the Blades Alumni emerge victorious, Prince Albert Mayor Jim Stiglitz will attend the Blades vs. Raiders game on March 17th and wear a Blades jersey in the ceremonial face off. If the Raiders Alumni win, Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison will do the same in Prince Albert wearing a Raiders jersey on March 18th.
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rSaskatoon Blades President & Governor, Jack Brodsky comments of the event, “We are very excited about our alumni programs and initiatives. Dave Struch is doing an outstanding job in this area and through this event and others the alumni has an opportunity to raise funds and give back to our community. Its exciting to see the way our alumni is responding. We look forward to making this an annual eventâ€?
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rRush tickets for the Alumni Charity Game can be purchased for $12 for adults and $7 for children at the Saskatoon Blades office or at the Martensville Kinsmen Club booth at Blades home games. Rush tickets will also be available at the door. Fans can also purchase a popular family package for both games. For just $80, you’ll receive 2 adult and 2 children tickets for both the Alumni game and the Blades WHL game, along with 4 hot-dogs and 4 Pepsi products at which ever event you choose, along with 1 free souvenir program at each game. Family Passports are available at the Blades Customer Service Kiosk during Blades games or at the Blades administration offices located on the 2nd floor of Credit Union Centre. Note, seating will not be assigned for the alumni game, but will be for the Blades WHL game as per normal.
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rA portion of all proceeds from this event will go to Kinsmen Telemiracle, with 100% of the balance towards the Saskatoon Blades & Prince Albert Raiders Education Scholarship Funds.