Bonnyville residents are going to be getting an opportunity to see some of their favourite Montreal Canadiens alumni in action on the ice.
The Bonnyville Oilmen Society is putting together a team to play against the mighty Canadiens alumni team, which is visiting the RJ LaLonde on March 3.
“A lot of people are all geared up about it,” said Alvin Green, who is overseeing the alumni game for the Oilmen. “We do functions to raise money to support different organizations in the community, so this is just an opportunity that came up to raise some funds that we can give back to the community.”
The alumni team ties up with local groups such as the Oilmen to raise money for different community organizations. They have previously supported KidSport, the Cancer Foundation and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada.
Once the Oilmen tally how much money they have raised, they will select a few organizations from a list of recipients to donate proceeds from the game.
Although the lineup for the Bonnyville game hasn't been announced yet, 11 former Canadiens are selected from a roster of 32 players for each game depending on player availability. The team heads across the country every year, playing between 50 and 60 games through the season.
“It's very nice because we give the opportunity to the team to reach fans all over Canada,” said Alexander Verreault, coordinator of the Montreal Canadiens alumni team. “We like to travel all over the place and this is for raising money for all kinds of associations.”
Although the Canadiens roster remains unconfirmed for the Bonnyville game, Verreault said that former Canadiens forwards Chris Nilan and Stephane Richer could be selected for the Alberta leg of the alumni tour.
“We try to have the best lineup possible for the Alberta area,” Verreault noted. “It's very fun for all the players to see the fans all over the place, so the players are very excited.”
This will not be the first time Montreal alumni visits Bonnyville. On March 16, 2012, playing to a packed arena, the Canadiens alumni team coached by Montreal legend Guy Lafleur defeated the Bonnyville EastLink Selects 12-7. Former Canadiens such as Mathieu Dandenault and Normand Dupont were among the Montreal players on the ice.
The Oilmen are still searching for players for the home team, with only half the lineup selected as of Jan. 13. Non-Oilmen members are allowed to sign up to play for the team, with one spot costing $300. Players can pay $50 extra for post-game access to a VIP room where they can meet the alumni team for autographs and photographs.
Although fewer than expected players have signed up to play so far because of the slower economy, Green said there are plans to step up recruiting and fill in the remaining players.
There is also a bid for two hometown players to play on the Canadiens team. Starting at $400, the bid winners will also get an official Montreal Canadiens alumni jersey and access to the VIP room.
Tickets for the game are available at the C2 front desk. Fore more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/BvilleOil.
