Game on for Hockey Night in Brantford
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Everything is set for Hockey Night in Brantford, Encore Game, on Aug. 14, at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.
After a one-year hiatus, the event, which raised close to $550,000 during its run, was brought back by Brantford-Brant MP Phil McColeman, former Brant MPP Dave Levac and a team of volunteers. All proceeds from the event will go to Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre.
“We’re coming back stronger than ever,” McColeman said at a news conference Wednesday.
Current NHL players Adam Henrique of the Anaheim Ducks and Zac Dalpe of the Columbus Blue Jackets, will captain two teams that will play a the two-period abbreviated game. They will be joined by fellow NHLers Brandon Montour and Jake Dotchin and former NHL player Jay Wells.
Among those filling out the rosters will be: Andrew Fritsch, Blake Friesen, Cameron Sault, Dylan Robinson, Emily Rickwood, Eric DeDobbelaer, Holden Wale, Hunter Jones, Landon McCallum, Loren Gabel, Luke VanMoerkerke, Maddox Callens, Marko Jakovljevic, Michael Crocock, Nate Mitton, Nathan Bastian, Nicole Kelly, Paige Rynne, Patrick Brown, Peter MacKay, Ryan de Melo, Sarah Nurse, Taylor Trussler, Theo Hill, Tyler Pelton and, Wray Brimmer.
Rynne and Rickwood, Division 1 hockey players at the University of New Hampshire, are both excited to be playing in HNIB for their second time.
“We both played in Brantford growing up so it feels good to give back to the community, especially through hockey, because that’s how it gave to us,” said Rynne.
Rickwood said she is excited to play.
“It’s an honour being recognized for the accomplishments and especially doing it for a good cause.”
Hockey Night in Brantford was last held in 2017. At that time, McColeman said the event had run its course.
Bu the MP revived the event for another year to help Crossing All Bridges, which is seeking to raise $2.5 million to help purchase its new home at 65 Sky Acres Dr. The goal for HNIB is to raise $200,000.
“We are blessed and happy to be the recipient of funds of Hockey Night in Brantford this year,” said Paula Thomlison, executive director of Crossing All Bridges, which provides learning opportunities and experiences for adults with developmental disabilities.
“Having a home of our own is a dream come true for us.”
As part of the fundraiser, a silent auction will be held Aug. 13 at the Brantford Golf and Country Club.
“We have been receiving some wonderful gifts,” said Mike Foster, auction co-chair.
Auctioned items include Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leaf sports memorabilia, concert tickets, Sanderson Centre tickets and lots of local restaurant gift cards. Raffle prizes include two tickets from Air Canada and WestJet and courtside seats to a Toronto Raptors game with an overnight stay.
Before the HNIB game, there will be a family skate. Anyone who buys a ticket to the game can join the players on the ice from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Opening ceremonies will start at 6:45 p.m. with the game following at 7p.m. After the game, there will be an autograph session. Throughout the game. there will be activities in the lobby.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.
They can purchased through the Hockey Night in Brantford Facebook page.
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