BONNYVILLE – The 3rd Annual Victor Ringuette Sportsman Dinner featured former NHL hockey player and Canadian Actor Terry Ryan for an evening of fundraising for local sports teams.
Attendees enjoyed a catered meal before guest Ryan regaled them with tales of his life as a hockey player, and character Ted Hitchcock on the TV series Shoresy.
The event took place on Feb. 28 at the C2 in Bonnyville, and included a live and silent auction, as well as 50/50 draw and Chase the Ace prizes. The proceeds from the night will go to the Bonnyville Minor Hockey Association, the Bonnyville Jr. and Sr. Pontiacs, and the Rhinos Volleyball Club.
The annual event honoured the late Bonnyville philanthropist and businessman Victor Ringuette.
Neil Langridge, Associate General Manager of the Jr. A Pontiacs and a founder of the sportsman dinner, presented a slide show in tribute of Ringuette.
Langridge thanked each person who attended and spoke about the evening as a commemoration of the contributions Ringuette made to the community during his lifetime.
“This event is a testament to the lasting impact that Victor had on this community. Groups coming together and working to help each other - gathering members of the community for an evening of fun laughter and entertainment. An evening that is propped up by the generosity of the community,” said Langridge.
Victor Ringuette was a founder of B&R Ekel’s, and company representative Mark Clark gave a speech expressing Ringuette's leadership and support of the community.
“I had the privilege of working with Victor. In that time, I saw how good of a leader he was, not just in title but in action. No matter how busy he was, he always made time to stop into my office, check in, and truly listen. And it wasn’t just for me, he did that for everybody,” said Clark.
He said Ringuette's kindness did not end at the office, and he always believed in the power of community - leading him to become the philanthropist he was.
Langridge thanked the many hands that went into making the event possible, including Corey Wandler, Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs coach, who acted as the emcee for the evening
During the evening, Ryan told stories about his sometimes tumultuous, and often hilarious, hockey journey that led to him landing a role on Shoresy. He also commented on how well he had been treated coming to Bonnyville, and how important it is to him to show up for events that support young athletes.
“I really like it up here, I wasn't just saying that to play to the crowd. A lot of people up here remind me of home - there’s a lot of Newfoundlanders. Back when I played in the Western league, I’d come up here a lot and fish. This area isn’t foreign to me, and I find the people very hospitable,” said Ryan.
“With the platform I have, I know that I can help raise some money. So, for me, this is the quickest way I can make a difference,” said Ryan. “I was nearly bankrupt for two or three years. I can appreciate what I have now - I’m the same person. I got lucky and I got on TV, so now I can go around and help change things.”
With a Bachelor of Arts in Folklore and English, Ryan has also written a book, appeared on the podcast Spittin Chiclets, worked in film, and played in the NHL.
Ryan explained that his eclectic life lets him connect with a broader audience, and it helps him as an entertainer at fundraiser events.
“The show I'm on makes people smile, and that’s so rewarding,” said Ryan.
