Former NHL players pumped for Regina’s All-Star Classic

Two outdoor games at Mosaic Stadium on Family Day long weekend are among the many activities set to kick off the 100-day countdown to the 2018 Memorial Cup.

An All-Star Celebrity Classic game, featuring NHL and WHL alumni, will be held Feb. 17, 2018 — a day before the Regina Pats take to the ice to play their rivals, the Moose Jaw Warriors.

According to former NHL goaltender and Regina Pat legend Ed Staniowski, who’s playing in the alumni game, many ex-players are looking forward to the outdoor showdown.

“I’ve talked to a number of the (former NHL) players coming in and they’re all really excited to come together and be a part of this,” he said.

Having played in other outdoor NHL alumni games, Staniowski added he knows what to expect come February.

“It’s a lot of fun for the players, I can tell you that. There’s a lot of memories, a lot of good stories,” he said with a smile. “Of course, on the ice, there’s still a lot of talent there and for guys who are going to be playing goal, it’s still pretty challenging.”

As for former NHL player and Regina Pat Stu Grimson, who’s also set to play in the alumni game, he said he can’t wait to hit the ice with some of his old rivals.

“You always leave those games going, ‘that was interesting,'” said Grimson. “It’s just a bunch of guys who don’t have anything to play for, but they find a way to make it pretty competitive and even a little contentious.”

Since he’s never played in an outdoor game as a professional hockey player, Grimson added he’s thrilled to have the experience.

“When pros are involved in that, they always come away and it remains one of the notable memories in their career, so I’m looking forward to kind of having that memory for myself,” he explained.

Around 50 former NHL players — including 14 Hall of Famers — are set to lace up their skates for the All-Star Celebrity Classic.

Both outdoor games are part of Regina’s Centennial Salute Homecoming Weekend. The four-day event also includes a charity fundraising dinner and wraps up with the Waskimo Winter Festival on Wascana Lake.