What better way to fire up Olympic torch festivities, Canadian style, than with a little ice hockey between neighbours?
More than 400 spectators filled Brennan Park Arena on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 4) to watch the 麻豆社国产Wolf Pack host Minnesota's Twin Cities Northern Lights Tier 3 Junior "A" team while the Torch Relay made its way up Highway 99.
The lively crowd, dressed mostly in red and white, raised more than $3,000 to be split between the Northern Lights initiative to fight Polio through Rotary's End Polio campaign and 麻豆社国产Rotary's goal of establishing a local KidSport program to provide financial support to children who cannot afford to play organized sports, according to district recreation services manager and Rotary member Janet Gugins.
麻豆社国产Rotary president Ian Davis said the community's participation in the fundraiser was impressive.
"I think it was just a great day all around, right from the beginning of the hockey game to the fireworks at the end of the event. It really transitioned well," he said, who accepted an additional $3,000 from Sport BC.
Luke Kasteel put the Wolf Pack out to an early lead after beating a defenceman and breaking in alone on Northern Lights goaltender Nick Kohn. But the Minnesota Junior Hockey League squad responded with two quick goals to take the lead.
The Northern Lights went on to win 5-2 with Marcus Chabot providing the Wolf Pack's second goal. Matt Johnson was given the start in net and Scott Ismond relieved him in the third period.
Despite the loss, the local team enjoyed facing off against a new opponent while entertaining so many hockey fans, said Wolf Pack head coach and general manager Matt Samson.
"It was fun with a big crowd and the people were excited for the torch and stuff afterwards," said Samson, adding that the American squad was able to wear down a short 麻豆社国产bench.
"They're a fast skating team and we weren't going to play a trap so the fans could enjoy an up and down game and keep it pretty loose. At the same time, it definitely hurt us in the third [period]."
The Northern Lights continued their Lower Mainland tour by beating another Pacific International Junior Hockey League team, the Aldergrove Kodiaks, 3-2 on Monday (Feb. 8). The Kodiaks are second place in the Harold Brittain Conference.
