Raiders pick up point with overtime loss to Hitmen

Nathan Reiter
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Raiders pick up point with overtime loss to Hitmen

The Prince Albert Raiders pushed, but couldn’t pick up two points as they fell 5-4 in overtime to the Calgary Hitmen on Sunday afternoon.

Raider head coach Jeff Truitt says Prince Albert improved as the game went on.

“I thought that we were sloppy a little early. We had puck turnovers. We kind of looked fatigued in the first period. We made some mistakes. But as the game went on, I thought we started to control the play a little bit better. Power play got us going. We seemed to dictate to play a little bit more on pucks, but then we turned pucks over needlessly in our own zone, not making the right decisions. And when you turn pucks over like that, then they’re coming back at you.”

Rookie Ben Kindel would open the scoring for the Calgary Hitmen at the 11:51 mark of the first period with his seventh goal of the season. Keets Fawcett and Oliver Tulk assisted on the play.

The Raider power play would go to work later in the frame as Sloan Stanick would pick up his 19th goal of the season at the 14:28 mark of the opening frame. Jacob Hofrogge and Krzysztof Macias provided the helpers.

Calgary led the shots by a 12-11 margin after the first period.

The second period saw a total of five goals between the two clubs.

Ethan Moore would give Calgary the lead at the 7:52 mark with his 12th goal of the season. David Adazynski and Maxim Muranov assisted on the play.

Three minutes later, Matej Kubiesa would pull the Raiders even with his sixth goal of the campaign. Justice Christensen and Harrison Lodewyk assisted on the goal.

Just nine seconds later, Calgary would regain the lead with David Adazynski picking up his eighth goal of the season. Maxim Muranov and Dax Williams assisted on the play.

After a 2-on-1, Harrison Lodewyk would deposit a loose puck into the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season at the 13:47 mark. The goal was unassisted.

THe Raiders would take advantage of a double minor against the Hitmen to take their first lead of the contest late in the second period.

Aiden Oiring would bury his ninth goal of the season in his hometown on the power play at the 17:27 mark of the second period. Niall Crocker and Sloan Stanick assisted on the play.

Shots after two periods favored Calgary 25-20.

Truitt says both teams were making the most of their opportunities in the second period.

“It just seemed to be like the mistakes that were going on led to goals. it seemed like they had a little bit more room (due) to the mistakes that we made. Our goals are hardworking goals, not many of them are easy goals. We have to work hard for our goals, but it just seemed like the tap opened up for both teams.”

Keets Fawcett tied the game at the 10:50 mark of the third period with his 12th goal of the season. Fraser Leonard picked up the lone helper.

Sixty minutes would solve nothing as the two teams would head into overtime.

Just twenty nine seconds in, Maxim Muranov would be the overtime hero for the Hitmen with his ninth goal of the season to give Calgary a come from behind victory. Adazynski had the lone assist.

Sunday was the first game the Raiders have lost when leading after forty minutes of play this season. They were 17-0-0-0 when holding a lead after two periods entering play.

Max Hildebrand made 33 saves for the Raiders in the win. Alex Garrett stopped 29 shots for the Hitmen.

Sunday marked the fifth consecutive loss for the Raiders, who currently sit tied with the Hitmen for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Truitt says the stretch has provided a stern lesson to the young Raiders lineup.

“Going through this, it can be important for a team. Nothing comes easy and you’ve got to work everything you get and it’s going to be a slug fest and we’re going to be prepared. To go through this, for the younger guys, it’s really important. But as I said before, this team is in the here and the now that wants to make the playoffs. We have to find that little extra push, to get us over the top, get some rest here this week.”

The Raiders return to action on Friday night when they welcome the Saskatoon Blades to the Art Hauser Centre. Puck drops at 7 p.m.

Mintos down Contacts Wednesday

Nathan Reiter
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Mintos down Contacts Wednesday

The Prince Albert Mintos returned to home ice and the win column on Wednesday night downing the Saskatoon Contacts 4-2 at the Art Hauser Centre

It was the first home game for the Mintos in nearly a month as they last played on home ice back on Dec. 16, a 1-0 loss to the Warman Wildcats.

It would take less than six minutes for the Mintos to find twine as Abinet Klassen would break the seal on the scoreboard with his seventh goal of the campaign. Carter Cole provided the lone helper.

Just eight seconds later, Owen Nelson would notch his 20th goal of the season to double the Prince Albert lead. Owen Dyck and Kelan Simmonds provided the assists.

Tyler Phipps would respond for the Contacts with his eighth goal of the season with 10:05 left to go in the opening frame. Brodie Scopick and Sean Shiels assisted on the play.

The Minto power play would provide the lone goal of the second period as Taite Donkin would find the back of the net for the 13th time this season with 1:19 to go in the middle frame. Nelson and Van Taylor assisted on the play.

The Contacts would cut the Minto lead to just one with 11:36 remaining in regulation with Jace Rask recording his 10th goal of the season. Rylan Hue provided the only helper.

Kale Margolis would ice the win for the Mintos with an empty netter with 10 seconds left to go.

Logan Edmonstone made 34 saves for the Contacts while Brady Holtvogt made 15 saves for the Mintos.

Results from Friday night’s contest between the Mintos and Saskatoon Blazers were not available as of press time.

The Mintos will take on the Battlefords Stars at the Kinistino Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon. Puck drops at 4 p.m.

sports@paherald.sk.ca

Bears fall in Saskatoon

Nathan Reiter
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Bears fall in Saskatoon

The Prince Albert Northern Bears couldn’t maintain a strong start falling 6-1 to the Saskatoon Stars at Merlis Belsher Place on Thursday night.

Bears head coach Steve Young says Prince Albert started on the right foot, but momentum shifted after a call against the team.

“I thought we started really good. We got a power play goal early right away. They were up 2-1, and we got a goal that was disallowed. That was unfortunate, I don’t think it was the greatest call. If that puck goes in, it’s a 2-2 game and that changes a bit of the game plan of Saskatoon. They scored right away and they did what they did. They are very talented.”

Prince Albert would open the scoring less than six minutes in on the power play as Mikiya Anderson would strike for her fourth goal of the season to give the Bears an early 1-0 lead. Kinley Brassard picked up a helper on the play.

Saskatoon would knot up the score with a power play of their own with 3:41 to go in the opening frame. Shayla Koroll picked up her first career U18 AAA goal with Ireland Stein and Kolbee Ashe assisting on the play.

Shots favored the Stars 15-5 after twenty minutes of play.

Avery Bairos would give the Stars their first lead of the hockey game with her eighth goal of the campaign with 7:09 to go in the second period. Grace Millar and Halle Duchene assisted on the play.

A short handed goal from Peyton Gabruck would double the Saskatoon lead to 3-1 with 1:39 to go in the second period. Haley Braun and Madison Buziak provided the assists on the play.

Halle Duchene would strike just fifty seconds into the third period with her 11th goal of the season to extend the . Avery Bairos and Kelsey Ledoux assisted on the play.

Bairos would pick up her second goal of the game at the 16:08 mark to extend the Saskatoon lead to four. Grace Millar provided the lone helper.

Haley Braun would add another goal for the Stars with 6:23 left to go.

Overall, Prince Albert held the Stars to a one for seven clip on the power play on Thursday night.

Young says he saw plenty of positives out of the penalty kill unit.

“It starts with goaltending, obviously. I thought Annika (Neufeldt) had a strong game. Just the structure of the penalty kill on our zone was good last night as well. I believe there was even a five on three in that mix.

Annika Neufeldt stopped 42 of 48 Saskatoon shots she faced in net for the Bears. Mikayla Christensen made 17 saves for the Stars.

Heading into the weekend, the Bears will play a major role in Hockey Day in Saskatchewan in Kinistino on Saturday playing a home game in the town as part of the festivities.

I think they’re excited about it. I think it’ll really hit home or be a factor once they go to Kinistino tomorrow and get on the ice there and everything. Anything we can do to help support Sask hockey, we’re always willing to do.”

The Bears return to action on Saturday afternoon when they take on the Regina Rebels at the Kinistino Sports Complex. Puck drops at 1 p.m.

sports@paherald.sk.ca

Talking hockey in Kinistino

Nathan Reiter
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Talking hockey in Kinistino

TSN anchor Jay Onrait answers a question during the Hockey Day in Saskatchewan Banquet in Kinistino on Friday. The banquet helps raise money for improvements to the Kinistino rink. It also serves as an unofficial kickoff for Saturday’s main event. The Prince Albert Mintos and Prince Albert Northern Bears will both play games in Kinistino as part of Hockey Day in Saskatchewan. The SJHL has also scheduled a game in the community between the Nipawin Hawks and La Ronge Ice Wolves.

Slow start dooms Raiders in road loss to Edmonton

Nathan Reiter
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Slow start dooms Raiders in road loss to Edmonton

The Prince Albert Raiders couldn’t overcome a slow start as they fell 6-4 to the Edmonton Oil Kings at Rogers Place on Friday night.to kick off a three game in three night road trip.

Raider head coach Jeff Truitt was disappointed in the way Prince Albert played in the first period.

“(It was) awful. Big games like this, you got to rise to the occasion.” Truitt said in a post-game interview. “You’ve got to raise your level. I thought that they looked like the hungrier team, and they capitalized on some chances we had some chances, but we seemed to find the goaltender’s equipment rather than the netting. They found the netting.”

Edmonton would score a trio of goals in the first period to take a commanding 3-0 lead after twenty minutes.

Landon Hanson’s fourth goal of the season would get the Oil Kings going at the 11:49 mark. Marc Lajoie and Matthew Gallant provided the helpers.

Rhys Pederson’s first goal of the season would double the Edmonton lead at the 15:21 mark. Skyler Bruce and Gracyn Sawchyn assisted on the play.

During a 5-on-3 power play, Marc Lajoie would wire home his 15th goal of the season at the 17:46 mark. Gavin Hodnett and Sawchyn assisted on the play.

It was more of the same to start the second as Skyler Bruce would lengthen the Edmonton lead to 4-0 at the 10:59 mark. Smyth Rebman and Gavin Hodnett provided the assists.

After the fourth Oil King goal, Max Hildebrand was removed from the game in favor of rookie netminder Nathan Preston.

Truitt says the move was not a reflection on Hildebrand, who made 16 saves prior to the change.

“I don’t think that the guys really protected Max very well. Max made some pretty good saves for us, but when we’re giving up breakaways and odd man rush goals and things like that, you’re hurting your goaltender. You’re expecting him to make those saves rather than preventing any of these rushes or breakaways.  No fault on Max. I won’t lay any blame or anything like that on him. It’s the guys in front of him that have to get a lot tighter here. The important games, they mean a lot and you need everybody doing your thing.”

The Raiders would finally break through on the scoreboard at the 12:46 mark of the second period. Sloan Stanick and Jacob Hoffrogge assisted on the play.

The Raiders outshot the Oil Kings 26-22 after forty minutes of play.

Turner McMillen would cut the Raider deficit to two with his second goal in a Prince Albert uniform just 3:47 into the third period. Luke Moroz and Brayden Dube provided the helpers on the play.

Nipawin product Roan Woodward would restore the three goal advantage for Edmonton with his ninth goal of the season at the 10:27 mark of the final frame. Hodnett and Eastyn Mannix assisted on the play.

Niall Crocker would keep the back and forth nature of the third period going as he would record his second goal of the hockey game at the 13:12 mark of the third period. Eric Johnston and Sloan Stanick received credit for the helpers.

Crocker would complete the hat trick at the 17:56 mark as he would knock home a rebound to bring Prince Albert within one. Krzysztof Macias and Sloan Stanick assisted on the play.

Ty Nash would dash any hopes of a Raider comeback with an empty net goal at the 19:29 mark.

Nathan Preston made nine saves in relief of Max Hildebrand while Kolby Hay earned the win for Edmonton making 36 stops to earn the win.

The Raiders return to action on Saturday night when they take on the Red Deer Rebels on the road. Puck drops at 8 p.m. Saskatchewan time.

sports@paherald.sk.ca

Predators receive trio of awards at Sask Lacrosse Awards Banquet

Nathan Reiter
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Predators receive trio of awards at Sask Lacrosse Awards Banquet

After a championship season in 2023, the Prince Albert Predators celebrated the start to 2024 by receiving a trio of awards at the Sask Lacrosse Awards Banquet in Saskatoon last weekend.

The Prince Albert Predators were awarded as the Sask Lacrosse Team of the Year after capturing the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League title with a dramatic 12-11 overtime win over the Swift Current Wolverines last July.

Predators head coach Lucas Wells says the award is more indicative of the success of lacrosse in the city of Prince Albert, rather than the Predators themselves.

“I think it’s a big thing, not only for the Predators lacrosse team, but I think also for PA lacrosse to be recognized on a provincial level. I think it’s important that people in and around PA and around the lacrosse community understand not only we’re building as a junior program, but what we’re building as an association. So, it’s nice to get the recognition for that.”

During the PGLL regular season, the Predators finished with a 12-1-1 record, sitting atop the league standings two points clear of Swift Current. Prince Albert outscored opponents 189-84 in the PGLL regular season.

“I think one of the big things I’d always preached with the guys was that we may make you better lacrosse players, but our end goal is to make you better men. I think we’ve achieved that with the graduating players, and we’re working towards that with the upcoming graduating guys, simply with them giving back to the community, whether it’s reffing or coaching. They understand the role they have in the community, especially in the lacrosse community, and just giving back was one of the biggest things. A championship is nice, but at the end of the day, as a coach and essentially as a mentor to these guys, it’s making them better men as well as better lacrosse players.”

Predators goaltender Mason Hawkes came home with a pair of awards as he was named the PGLL Defensive Player of the Year and took home Sask Major Male Athlete of the Year honours.

“It’s pretty good and it means a lot.” Hawkes said. “The defensive one also shows that not really one guy can be a whole defense and it shows our team had a good defense as well.

Wells says Hawkes is the top player in his position in the province.

“I don’t think there’s another goalie in the province that is as good as him. We may have a great defense in front of him, but he allows us to take those chances and do the things that make us a good team. Being able to rely on him so heavily, it was very much well deserved.”

When asked about Hawkes individually as a goaltender, Wells says Hawkes brings all the attributes you would want in a goaltender.

“I think there’s a multitude of things. I think that his positioning is so sound. If you watch him play, he doesn’t necessarily really move unless he’s completely out of position and that is very far and few between. He understands the game really well. He knows when to try and stretch the floor, knows when to slow it down. He stays very calm. He’s a very calming presence. I think that those are key attributes that make him arguably one of the best goaltenders in the province.”

Brayden Rieger led the PGLL in scoring with 81 points in only 14 games and he was also rewarded with some hardware as he took home the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in his first full campaign in the PGLL.

Wells says Rieger possesses incredible lacrosse IQ.

“This was his first full season with us coming to practice every day and learning and he does things. We have a lot of very talented players, but he does things with a stick and recognizes things that nobody else on our team does, which makes him a very special talent.” The 2024 PGLL schedule has yet to be announced.

Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios to speak at Kinsmen Sportsman Dinner Saturday

Nathan Reiter
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Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios to speak at Kinsmen Sportsman Dinner Saturday

Chris Chelios enjoyed a long successful career in the National Hockey League, but not many people know that Saskatchewan played a major role in the early days of his career.

Chelios played two seasons for the Moose Jaw Canucks in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) from 1979-1981 followed by two seasons with the University of Wisconsin, before breaking into the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens. During his time with Moose Jaw, Chelios posted 35 goals and 95 assists in 107 games.

Chelios will be in Prince Albert on Saturday to serve as the guest speaker at the 2024 Kinsmen Sportsman Dinner hosted in the Ches Leach Lounge at the Art Hauser Centre.

Although the Raiders weren’t his favorite opponent to play against, Chelios says he is excited to return to Hockeytown North.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been back to Saskatchewan a few times now over the last couple of years and basically that’s where it all started for me. In Moose Jaw, not the fondest memories in Prince Albert playing the Raiders. We lost both years in game seven and I think they went on to win the Centennial Cup.”

“It was just a great place to play, great atmosphere. I do have some friends throughout the years in the NHL that I’ve played with Dave Manson, guys that I know are from that area. Nothing but great memories from of my days in Saskatchewan.”

Chelios was selected in the second round, 40th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. Chelios played 1651 career NHL games, posting 185 goals and 763 assists from the blue line.

Chelios won a trio of Stanley Cups in his career with the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings and broke the record for most playoff games on April 12, 2008, passing Patrick Roy’s record.

The funds raised at the Kinsmen Sportsman Dinner will go towards the Grand Slam Rebuild Project which is organized by the Prince Albert Minor Baseball Association with the aim of the project to rebuild the complex of three diamonds at Crescent Acres.

Chelios says one of the main reasons he is making the trip to Prince Albert is to give back to a community that he played in at the start of his career.

“In the hockey world, it’s nice to come back and see people, how much they appreciate you and the support they give you. The money goes to great events. I’ve dealt with youth hockey, raising money for youth hockey or some other worthy cause, whether maybe a children’s foundation for make-a-wish. When you’re in a position to give back a little bit, you feel obligated.

“I don’t think I’d go to Ontario or anywhere like that, but because I have some ties in Saskatchewan and PA, I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of people that (I) have run across over the years. I enjoy that. I really enjoyed my experiences in Canada when I was playing in Montreal and Moose Jaw.” At the banquet, Bruce Vance will be honored with the Sportsman of the Year. Gage Grassick will receive the Female Athlete of the Year award with Tazmin Smith-Windsor earning the Male Athlete of the Year.

Gage Grassick named Kinsmen Female Athlete of the Year

Nathan Reiter
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Gage Grassick named Kinsmen Female Athlete of the Year

It’s been a career year for Gage Grassick.

The former Carlton Crusader has posted a career season with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team, and on Saturday, she will be honoured as the Prince Albert Kinsmen Female Athlete of the Year at the upcoming Kinsmen Sportsman Dinner.

“It’s a super big honor.” Grassick said. “I like to refer to Prince Albert as kind of a smaller community, but with a big heart. We have so many great athletes, future and present. It’s super amazing to be able to share this award.”

The Huskies sit on top of the Canada West standings with a perfect 12-0 record. Grassick, in her third season at the USPORTS level, has been a huge piece for the team as she has averaged over 30 minutes per game, averaging 14.8 points, 3.4 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Grassick says the quality of competition she faces forces her to be at her best every night.

“I’m super fortunate to play in Canada West. We’re probably one of the most competitive leagues. So being able to play against good competition every single game, you kind of raise your expectations of yourself and your teammates and being able to go on the court each game and give it your all.”

Growing up in Prince Albert, Grassick says she never thought that she would receive an award like the Kinsmen Female Athlete of the Year and she credits her role models in Dalyce Emmerson and Erica Gavel in helping her reach her goals.

Herald File Photo. Gage Grassick, pictured here playing for the Carlton Crusaders in this file photo from 2018, attempts to drive to the basket during a game against Regina Riffel.

“I don’t think growing up, (it) crossed my mind. I remember watching players like Dalyce Emmerson and Erica Gavel growing up and they were such a big inspiration to me because they kind of paved the way for young athletes like myself who gave us inspiration that we could do it.”

Before her time as a Huskie, you would often find Grassick involved in any sport she could find the time for. She says her biggest advice to any athletes is to give everything a try.

“Growing up I was a multi-sport athlete, volleyball, basketball, track, soccer, you name it, I was involved in it. For younger athletes, I would say play as many sports as you can, try out as many things as you can. Basketball growing up was never really my number one sport. I was kind of focused on other things and having that diversity in all the sports really helped me when it came down to it, making that decision to go play university basketball. It really solidified my decision because I spent so much time playing every sport. I kind of knew what I was missing out on was not playing basketball.”

Grassick will not be in attendance on Saturday night as she will be in Brandon with the Huskies.

sports@paherald.sk.ca

Tazmin Smith-Windsor named Kinsmen Male Athlete of the Year

Nathan Reiter
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Tazmin Smith-Windsor named Kinsmen Male Athlete of the Year

Tazmin Smith-Windsor is no stranger to the gridiron and will be honoured for his achievements on the field at the Kinsmen Sportsman Dinner this weekend after being named the Kinsmen Male Athlete of the Year.

“I definitely wasn’t expecting it.” Smith-Windsor said. “It kind of caught me off guard, but I got a call from Jared Devers and he said (that I) won the award. I was happy (and) I just felt grateful to be recognized by the club and happy to represent my city.”

Smith-Windsor was a standout on both sides of the ball as a defensive back and running back during his time with the Carlton Crusaders. He committed to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football program in the fall of 2022 and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences.

Although Prince Albert boasts the nickname of ‘Hockeytown North’, Smith-Windsor says football is gaining traction within the community.

“I think it kind of goes to show how football is a growing sport in Prince Albert.  Personally for me, it means a lot that a football player won the award. PA is a big hockey town, not to take anything away from them, but I think it’s good that football is growing as a sport and the people that run the programs up here (are) doing a good job and making sure that everybody gets the opportunity to go far and succeed in whatever sport they want to.”

Smith-Windsor was often on the gridiron representing the province of Saskatchewan. Most recently, he suited for Team Sask at the U18 Football Canada Cup where he won Defensive MVP in the gold medal game.

“It’s awesome.” Smith-Windsor said about the experience. “It’s different for sure, playing on the team and most of the guys are from bigger schools in Saskatoon like St. Joe’s and Holy Cross and then again from Regina powerhouses like Miller. Half the players in the team are from there.”

After being an impact player with Carlton in his high school career, Smith-Windsor redshirted with the Huskies this past fall. Smith-Windsor says the jump in competition from high school to collegiate football is significant.

“It’s a night and day difference. It’s a step up for sure. Everyone’s driven, everyone’s motivated, everyone’s bigger, faster, stronger. You hear it all the time. Everyone’s bigger, faster, stronger at the next level. But you don’t really realize until you’re on the field with these guys. There are no bad players anymore. Everyone’s good. You have got to fight to earn your spot on the team and earn your spot as an active player for sure.”

The Huskies finished the 2023 Canada West Football season with a 5-3 record and fell in the semi-final to the University of Alberta Golden Bears 40-17. Heading into the offseason, Smith-Windsor says he is focused on improving to become a fixture in the Huskie lineup next season

“I got to work on my speed a little bit. This game is so much faster at this level. I’m going to have to work with my trainer in the off season, making sure I get my speed up and just getting a little bit more used to the defensive system.”

“It is so much different. It’s complex. You need to be smart to excel in that kind of defense, so that’s something I’m going to have to do. Like in the film room, watch a ton of tape and get into the playbook and make sure that I have all that dialed in ready to go for the season.”

The 2024 Kinsmen Sportsman Dinner takes place this Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Ches Leach Lounge at the Art Hauser Centre. Bruce Vance will be named Sportsman of the Year with Gage Grassick receiving Female Athlete of the Year honours. The guest speaker is former NHLer Chris Chelios.

sports@paherald.sk.ca

TSN’s Jay Onrait to speak in Kinistino for Hockey Day in Saskatchewan on Friday

Nathan Reiter
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TSN’s Jay Onrait to speak in Kinistino for Hockey Day in Saskatchewan on Friday

Saskatchewan has a special place in Jay Onrait’s heart. Not only was Saskatchewan the place where Onrait began his highly successful career in sports media, it is also the place where he has plenty of childhood memories.

Onrait grew up in the town of Athabasca, Alta. but spent a lot of time in small town Saskatchewan as a kid. Onrait’s parents are originally from Balcarres and growing up, Onrait would often find himself in Saskatchewan visiting his grandparents from both sides of the family.

“I always love coming to small town Saskatchewan.” Onrait says. “I spent a lot of my youth traveling back to small town Saskatchewan in the summertime to visit grandparents and relatives. I just love being in the 306 area code. It’s always a good feeling, and I’ve always been welcomed and embraced in Saskatchewan. We’ve done so many different things, so I’m really looking forward to getting to Kinistino and having a terrific night. It’s going to be a great one.”

Onrait began his on-air career in Saskatoon in 1998 with Global and has since gone on to become one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting across Canada. Onrait will be the featured guest speaker at the Hockey Day in Saskatchewan banquet in Kinistino on Friday evening.

Onrait says he is looking forward to making the night memorable for anyone in attendance.

“I love any banquets. I’m a huge banquet guy. Everyone in Saskatchewan takes pride in any of the players who come from the province and the teams in the SJHL and the WHL. I’m really looking forward to getting on stage and talking a little bit about my career and to talk a little bit about the sport and just in general, having a really great night and celebrating Hockey Saskatchewan and everything that they’ve accomplished over the past year.

“It’s going to be so much fun. I’m going to talk to anyone who wants to chat. I’ll take pictures with anybody who wants to take pictures. We’ll have a terrific night into the wee hours of the morning and at the end of the night,when they add up all the receipts, we’ve made a nice chunk of change that will go to the arena. It’s just extremely gratifying to not only have a chance to meet some people in person and talk to some people who watch me on a night-to-night basis or have watched me over the course of my career, but also contribute in some small way to helping a community like Kinistino continue to have a great place for hockey players to play of all ages.”

Hockey Day in Saskatchewan was founded in 2008 when the town of Unity raised over $20,000. Since then, more than fifteen towns across the province have gotten to host and have raised funds to improve arenas across the province.

According to the Hockey Day in Saskatchewan website, one of the goals of the event is to “By uniting with the surrounding communities, Hockey Day in Saskatchewan aims to generate the necessary funds to help construct, upgrade or rebuild local arenas, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of hockey enthusiasts.”

Onrait says he is proud to be able to speak at an event which helps support the grassroots movement in hockey.

“That’s the fundamental foundation of the sport in our country. I know there’s always more and more sophisticated ways to train kids to play hockey (with) hockey schools and all that. Ultimately, the crux of the sport is small towns in our country, kids playing in these small towns and learning the way that I learned.

“I’m living in the big city now, and it’s not that different. I just took my five year old son for skating lessons yesterday and I was just saying to my wife, when we were at the rink in downtown Toronto it looked exactly like the rink I grew up with in small town Alberta and probably not that different from the rink in Kinistino. I love that everybody in our country kind of starts that way.”

During his time with TSN, Onrait traveled across the country as part of the Kraft Celebration Tour that donated funds to various community projects across Canada.

“The Saskatchewan stops were the most fun.” Onrait recalled. “It wasn’t just that the people were amazing, it was that you could tell they truly were embracing this opportunity that we had given them and Kraft had given them. Not only to get this money from Kraft, usually to improve the arena or sports facility.

“It was just such an amazing thing to be able to do. This Hockey Day banquet in Kinistino is so similar. I sincerely appreciate Hockey Saskatchewan, inviting me and having an interest in having me come out and meet everybody.”

Doors open for the banquet at 5 p.m. with the supper and Onrait’s speech to begin at 6 p.m.

sports@paherald.sk.ca

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