It was the fullest Jubilee Arena has been in years, and it was the fullest it will ever be again.
With the old barn in Westlock slated for demolition this spring, a big bash was needed to say farewell, and who better to provide the entertainment than the most storied pro sports franchise in history — the Montreal Canadiens.
Coached by the legendary Guy Lafleur, 10 former members of the Canadiens laced up their skates to take on a motley crew of Westlock hockey players in a friendly contest taken in by a huge crowd that numbered in excess of 950.
“It was a huge success and the crowd was tremendous,” said Vance Nakonechny, who organized the game along with Todd Ducharme. “Everything went better than expected.”
In addition to the game, won 11-6 by the Canadiens, the evening featured numerous items up for auction, as well as a 50/50 draw. Not to be lost in the excitement of the game was the fact the game was a fundraiser for the soon-to-be-completed Rotary Spirit Centre.
In fact Liz Roberts, who won the $2,220 50/50 pot, donated it back to the cause, while brothers Brady and Colby Ducharme paid $2,200 for the final ice time at Jubilee Arena this Thursday.
“It was a great night. We were really pleased with the sheer number of people who came out to the game,” said Todd Ducharme.
Each period had its own complexion, but as the clock ticked down it was clear who was the better team. After the first period, which saw Tate McNelly in net for Westlock, things were tied 3-3. In the second, Bruce Tyrrell was between the pipes, and surrendered three goals as the Canadiens took a 6-4 lead. The third saw George Blais allow five goals as the Canadiens ran away with the game en route to an 11-6 final.
But for the players on the Westlock team, just having a chance to be on the same ice surface as former NHLers made their night.
“It was fantastic,” said Tyrrell, a math teacher at Barrhead Composite High School. “They’re gentlemen and they took it easy on us. They were only playing in first gear. They were also nice because they shot at my pads most of the time.”
Tyrrell plays goal on the Westlock Chiefs, alongside several members of the fundraising committee. It was those connections that got him on to the ice Thursday night.
He said facing the likes of two-time 50-goal scorer Stephane Richer was a good experience, and it was all for a good cause.
As an added bonus, he said he designed the logos the Westlock team wore on their jerseys.
For Westlock town Coun. Clem Fagnan, who strapped on the blades, the evening was one of mixed feelings.
“It was great,” he said. “I was hyped up the last two weeks, I was so excited. I felt like a kid.”
Yet, for all the excitement of being a Canadiens fan playing against them alongside his brother Moe and son Dean, it was also a sad occasion.
“It’s my last game here and maybe my last game ever,” he said. “It was the last stand for Jubilee and I think it was worth it.”
Jubilee rink manager Bryan Carnegie was also on the ice, and he saw some folly in even thinking about trying to beat the Canadiens.
“It was fun,” he said. “But by nature we’re competitive, which is kind of silly because they’re that much better.”
Still, it was a very good experience getting to interact with the Canadiens, he said.
“A bunch of them were talking to us,” he said. “They were having fun too.”
Overall Carnegie said he felt the Westlock team, being made up of guys who play senior and rec hockey, did pretty well.
After the game, Nakonechny said he was pleased with the community support and how well the Westlock players performed. They expect to know later this week how much money the game raised.
“I’m proud of how the goalies played, and all the players had a great time,” he said. “They put up a good fight against an excellent squad.”
He also praised the Canadiens for making themselves available after the game to meet with people and sign anything presented to them.
Canadiens tour manager Sylvie Gladue said she’s been with the tour for 30 years, dating back to the days Maurice “The Rocket” Richard went on tour, and had good words to say about the welcome Westlock gave the Canadiens.
“Westlock gave us such a warm welcome,” she said. “The people in the crowd were great and involved with everything. It was unbelievable.”
