The challenge has been accepted as once again the alumni for Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers will renew their rivalry at the Lloydminster Civic Centre.
The love of hockey will see players like six-time Stanley Cup winner Kevin Lowe and two-time Stanley Cup champ Jamie Macoun suiting up for the Oilers and the Flames respectively. This as Boundary Ford Gives coordinates a fundraiser for the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, the Bobcats and the Rescue Squad.
The camaraderie is already on tap as champion hockey players like Macoun talk about the memorable rivalry on the ice and why they can come to an Oilers stronghold like Lloydminster to give back.
“The first time I met Dave Hunter and Dave Semenko and Dave Lumley, off the ice, I was surprised how nice guys they were. And I said, “If they want to invite me or the alumni to any place where the Oilers are, we are willing to come up there and show our colours as well.”
Skating for the Calgary Flames will be Curtis Glencross, Ric Natress, Dougie Gilmour, Theo Fleury, Brent Krahn (goalie), says Macoun and as well there are a few more names still to sign on the dotted line.
Already committed for the Oilers are Ales Hemsky, Kyle Brodziak, Ladislav Å mÃd, Eric Gryba, Cory Cross, Raffi Torres, Joaquin Gage (goalie), says Lowe and with some more players to confirm in the coming months.
Lowe says they are looking forward to raising money for the cause, and notwithstanding the friendly banter, they are still intent on winning the match.
Lowe who is vice-chair of the Oilers Entertainment Group says Lloydminster and area holds a special place in the Oilers organization as there are many season ticket holders here, but also back in the day, if it were not for some Lloydminster area notables, the Oilers would not still be in Edmonton.
“A Cal Nichols led group of people that included Larry Makelki and Dave Addy, and some other members of Lloydminster stepped up to keep the Oilers in town.”
Lowe says those events pre-date the period of Daryl Katz’s ownership but that Lloydminster and region support kept the Oilers in Edmonton.
Representing the recipient groups were Stephanie Munro, CEO Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, Nigel Dube GM Lloydminster Bobcats and Chief Norm Namur Lloydminster Rescue Squad. Those groups are expressing their gratitude to Boundary Ford Gives for their consideration in supporting their work in the community and the region.
Tickets are already on sale for the September 10th match on the Boundary Battle of Alberta webpage.