After some uncertainty, the NHL alumni game went off without a hitch in Beechy Friday night.
Organizers were left scrambling Wednesday when they learned the main attraction-the Montreal Canadiens alumni team-couldn’t make it to the arena fundraiser.
Bad weather in eastern Ontario and Quebec cancelled their flights.
Thanks to some last-minute replacements the Beechy arena was packed for the game against the Coteau Valley Bombers.
“Absolutely more than we expected,” Committee Chair Justin Dubasov said after the fundraising event.
“Our biggest thing is hoping that everyone was happy and had a good time, that’s all we can ask for.”
Former NHLers Travis Moen, Aaron Rome and Mason Raymond were among the late additions to the roster that helped the event go on.
Dubasov says all the players made an effort to be part of the festivities off the ice too.
“They (hockey players) came in, they visited I just hope everyone was happy with it,” he said.
After all the stress of the unknown heading into the game, Dubasov could think of a few highlights.
“Seeing the little kids out on the ice playing against the ex-NHLers really tugged at the heartstrings,” he said.
Money raised will help pay for renovations including a fully accessible addition.
With files from 650 CKOM’s Sheena Roszell