The Montreal Canadiens Alumni team were at the Bold Center's Performance Arena on Friday for a friendly fundraiser against the Lac La Biche Clippers Old-timers . The game was hosted by the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation to raise funds and awareness for local health initiatives.
Fans of Montreal skaters were treated to the skills of Habs players like Oleg Petrov, Pierre Dagenais, John Leclair, Chirl Nilan, Marc Andre Bergeron and Steve Shutt. Fans of high-scoring hockey games could also thank the talents of those players for the 17-4 Montreal win. However, a 'pie-in-the-face' penalty call on Canadien's big man Travis Moen after he pie-faced referee Kim Cyre cost the Habs 12 points, making the final score a more respectable 5-4 victory for the visitors in a game where the focus was more on fundraising than goal-scoring.
Although for Old Timers goalie Monear Abougouche, his focus was mainly on attacking red shirts. He faced more than 60 scoring attempts on the night.
"It was a lot of fun and very fast. It was hard to keep up with the puck, they move the puck really well . It shows the difference the speed we play at and the speed they play at so, it was definitely an eye-opener to see how quickly they play and how they move the puck," he said following the game as the Canadiens and Old Timers met with fans for a VIP meet and greet. "It was a lot of fun, really enjoyed it... In a game like this you bring in players that are well-known across the country and helping us in terms of the fundraiser that we are trying to do for the health foundation, so it is extremely important for the community. I am very appreciative that they came out and supported us for the cause."
While the game was the main part of the festivities, fans also had an opportunity to meet with the Canadiens' team members at a post-game meet and greet in the Bold Center's Devon Room.
Even though organizers from the local health foundation were expecting more crowd in the stands, they were grateful for the support they have received from the community so far.
Kal Polturak, the chairman of the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation estimated about 200 tickets were sold for the event. He thinks a few other events on the same weekend hurt the attendance a little, but for the fans who came out, it was a great hockey game and a chance to see some really great players from the NHL.
Funds collected from ticket sales and the meet and greet after the game will go to the health foundation to enhance healthcare in the Lac La Biche region. Those who couldn't make it to the game can still support the health foundation through their donations. For more information on the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation, go to the digital version of this story at www.laclabichepost.com and click the link.