Former Winnipeg Jets superstar Dale Hawerchuk tops the list of names of those coming to Yorkton to partake in a senior hockey game with a distinct purpose of trying to raise enough interest in senior hockey to ice a team in Yorkton for the start of next season, says Clear Lake Jets manager and coach Mervin Bodnarchuk.
In a sit-down interview in the Yorkton This Week main office, Bodnarchuk told a reporter of his intentions to put a senior club in Yorkton that, should everything go according to plan for Bodnarchuk, would result in the establishment of the Yorkton Senior Jets hockey club for next season, he stated.
Among those all lined up to play here in Yorkton on May 12 include former Winnipeg Jet Hawerchuk, former Maple Leaf Dave Ellett as well as Vancouver Canucks former sparkplug Cliff Ronning.
Bodnarchuk is quite excited about the chances for success.
"It's going to be a very good hockey game. It's a top-level brand of hockey."Bodnarchuk's experience in attracting athletes extends to baseball as well where he had former members of the Toronto Blue Jays to play with his Clear Lake Yankees senior baseball team for exhibition matches this summer.
He says he's now turning his attention to hockey with the Clear Lake Jets hockey club, which will be re-named the Painted Hand Casino Jets for their Yorkton date a week from today.
His list of former pros also includes Mike Ford, Stephane Richer, Claude Lemieux and Brian Propp.
The game in Yorkton will be played May 12 at Farrell Agencies Arena. Tickets will be available today (May 5) at a cost of $20.
"This is a test game to see whether or not it's received," states Bodnarchuk.
The game will be played between the Painted Hand Casino Jets and a team of locals who will skate under the name of the Yorkton and District Senior Men's All-stars.
Anyone looking to play in the game can contact Bodnarchuk at (204) 761-9991. He told the paper that he has only four spots available.
