Despite the cold weather that has hit in the past couple of days, several members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders have been hitting the outdoor rinks in preparation for game 1 of this year's Rider Prider Hockey Challenge, presented by SaskCanola.
This off season tour kicks off on Saturday (Jan. 21) at Kinsmen Arena in Yorkton. Roughrider players and coaches will take on a team of coaches from Yorkton Minor Football (YMF) in a charity hockey game set for 7 p.m. An autograph session will take place inside the facility as well (5-6p.m.).
All tickets are $5 and are available at Farrell Agencies, York Sask Dry Cleaners and potentially at the door if it isn't sold out. All proceeds to benefit YMF in its efforts to construct a washroom/changeroom facility at their home field, Century Field (See related ad on this page).
Roughrider fans in Yorkton can expect to see players such as slotbacks Chris Getzlaf, Jordan Sisco as well as fullback Neal Hughes and kicker Chris Milo, among others. They will trade in their football cleats for hockey skates for a night of fun on Saturday night.
And once again, the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission is playing a key role in getting the tour on ice.
"Canola country is Rider country and the Hockey Challenge helps further the Kickoff to Good Health campaign we have with the Riders by informing consumers and fans alike about the health and nutrition benefits of the 'number 1' heart-healthy oil," said Catherine Folkersen, executive director, SaskCanola.
"Our producers are proud of the relationship we have with the Riders and it's terrific to see the team coming out to the communities such as Yorkton, where our producers work and live."
Co-organizer Jason Farrell said the opportunity to host the Rider Prider team in an event such as this, all the while, raising funds for an initiative that will enhance the user experience of a community facility, is rewarding and exciting.
"Everything YMF has done has been in the spirit of not only improving our football program but the community as a whole," says Farrell.
"The washroom/change room facility will be used by all grouped including track and field, soccer, tennis, marching band, those who use the walking track, and of course, the numerous football teams which use the field endlessly on game days throughout the late summer and fall."
Farrell said the game has grown immensely in popularity over the years and is evident by the number of people at the field.
"It is truly humbling during the fall to see four football teams sharing the practice fields. At any one time between August and October, you will see over 120 players and coaches on the field. The Riders have been an integral part of YMF achieving this goal," he said. "The support of the Riders brings legitimacy to our cause. We look forward to 'the garlic curtain' becoming an important feeder program for the Green and White."
In the meantime however, the on-ice version of the Green and White plans to feed a few goals into the net as the Regina-born Getzlaf likely to lead that charge on Jan. 21.
But Farrell warns the younger, more agile foe that he and his teammates are prepared for the challenge.
"We were born ready," said Farrell. "I have been waiting for this days for 38 years. Some of my teammates have been waiting even longer. It's going to be a physical affair."
