This past weekend, I had the opportunity to skate with community members and the Flames Alumni organization at the ARRES Challenge benefitting the third phase of Genesis Place, which will feature a pair of greatly needed ice surfaces.
I wasn’t a player, I wasn’t a goalie, but I served as a linesman. I was tasked by organizers Keith Wilkinson and Rob Jamieson to organize the officials for the event, a minor task in the larger scheme of things. The event went off without a hitch.
Luckily for me, I skated the Flames Alumni game that was held in Crossfield last year so I had an idea as to what to expect.
First off, officials for these games need to put their whistles away. There is a great amount of respect between former NHLers and locals who participate in these events, so penalties are few and far between.
Second, calling every single offside and icing will only get these guys mad at you. The game was run in two-30 minute halves, run time. If we stopped the play for every single time Crossfield Mayor Nathan Anderson tripped over the blue line, there wouldn’t have been much hockey to watch.
Lastly, have fun. These guys are out for a good time and to put on a show, so as an official, every ounce of seriousness goes out the window.
Some of the highlights from the event for me were: watching Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown skate around for 45 minutes with whip-creamy sweat after being pied in the face during a team photo.
Watching 55-year-old Archie Henderson, who formerly played with the Minnesota North Star, and Hartford Whalers, fashion a questionable helmet and beg his opponent for faceoff wins.
I think my favourite moment from the entire game was the group photo at the end. It’s cool to stand alongside the likes of Sheldon Kennedy, Todd Holt, Duane Hay and Dennis Polonich… not to mention the fact that I forgot to eat a decent meal prior to skating the game…
I can’t divulge any stories from the VIP after-party… unfortunately.
The event raised more than $10,000 and I can say that seeing the Ron Ebbesen Arena nearly packed for the game was refreshing to see. It’s nice to see the community come together for a fun hockey game and for a great cause.
