Organizers of the NHL Alumni game in Chatham on Thursday night say fans can expect a few surprises.
Former Leaf Owen Nolan, Brent Gretzky and local former NHL'ers will face off against Chatham-Kent police officers to support Special Olympics Ontario and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Previous lineups have featured hockey legends such as Wendel Clark, Curtis Joseph, Tiger Williams and Theo Fleury.
Councillor Dave VanDamme is dropping the puck and says he's very excited about the game. "My wife and my boys are big Red Wings fans so it would be nice if Mister Yzerman showed up but we'll see. We'll have a great experience with whoever is there," says VanDamme.
Walter Gretzky will also be on hand for the October 26 event. The puck drops at the Chatham Memorial Arena at 7pm. Tickets are available at www.benefithockey.com/tickets/.
VanDamme says it's his first time at an NHL Alumni game and is looking forward to it. "We should be excited about this because it's a partnership and anytime you have a well known establishment come to the city, it brings people, excitement and opportunity," VanDamme says.
Constable Jason Herder says it's the 15th year for the NHL Alumni game at the Chatham Memorial Arena but he won't be playing. "I'm not going to strap them on, no. My parents thought I was more of a baseball player and that didn't workout so well for me either. I'll be there rooting our boys on and hopefully we'll make it entertaining for everyone," says Herder.
