The Rider Prider Hockey Challenge took place over the weekend at the Kinsman Arena in Yorkton. A group of Saskatchewan Roughriders players and coaches made the two-plus hour bus ride from Regina to take part in one of the most interesting cross overs of sport.
A group of professional football players took on a group of local hockey players all for a good cause.
"It's something the Riders came up with from Riderville (campaign)," explains president of Yorkton Minor Football Roby Sharpe after the game. "We got lucky, and we hope to do it again."
The organized on-ice matchup with the football players went so well that it brought up the idea of holding an 'outdoor classic' within the City at some point in the future.
Sharpe agreed but said there would need to be some kind of attraction for it.
"You'd need some guys people would want to see," he said.
The Rider Prider Hockey Challenge on Saturday drew about 300 people, but Sharpe said there was a little disappointment as there were people who wanted to attend that couldn't.
"The rink can only hold 500," he said, but thanked all those who bought tickets, and essentially supported the game.
"Lots of people bought tickets to support the eventwhich is great."
Those in attendance were treated to a total of 13 goals scored, 10 by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Among the scorers was Stu Foord, who said after the game, even he wasn't sure what to expect from Rider hockey.
"I didn't know what to expect. I'm glad the way it turned out. This is good small-time hockey," he said following the game when he and a few linemates stayed out on the ice playing 'keep away' with some youngsters.
Foord said his best moment of the game was the "first shot 'cause I scored" and said it was good to see the intensity level up.
"I had to play my best. I wanted to give it my all."
Chris Getzlaf was also on the ice representing the Riders' club, no stranger to hockey, Getzlaf said he used to play Junior 'B' and said he "expected a great crowd as always".
Getzlaf, who's brother Ryan plays in the NHL for the Anaheim Ducks, said he and Ryan both played hockey growing up before he made the switch to football.
Chris said the best part of doing these appearances is "going out and mingling afterwards".
The best part of the game in his eyes was "Tanner's goal", the Yorkton Pee Wee hockey player who was credited with scoring the team's fifth goal.
Weston Dressler hadn't skated prior to a month ago when he bought the skates he was using in Yorkton that night, but apparently still had enough of a good time.
"I thought it was awesome. It was lots of fun. It's a fun learning experience. I got these skates about a month ago. It's all fun."
The day started with a signing session in the arena lobby and blue room, followed by warm-ups, player introductions and a ceremonial puck drop at centre ice.
Part of the Rider contingent included 7 Weston Dressler, 18 Chris Getzlaf, 24 Neal Hughes, 8 Jordan Sisco, 17 Stu Foord, 19 Chris Milo, 16 Dan Clark, 6 Nick Hutchins and 12 Chris Best. Also playing was 1 Tanner Melynchuk representing the Yorkton Minor Hockey Association.
All proceeds raised from the game go towards a new change room/washroom facility at the Century Field behind the Yorkton Regional High School.
