INNISFAIL – The Stanley Cup is coming to Innisfail.
The world’s most revered sports trophy will be brought to town by former Innisfailian Ray Bennett during the morning of Aug. 8.
After the cup’s arrival there will be a public event at the Innisfail Arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bennett, an assistant coach with the NHL’s Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche, grew up in Innisfail playing youth sports - including all his minor hockey - and graduated from Innisfail High School in 1980.
He also played several seasons with the Innisfail Eagles senior men's hockey team.
He told the Town of Innisfail that in addition to providing local citizens with the chance of a lifetime he also wanted the Aug. 8 event to be a fundraiser for the Innisfail Minor Hockey Association and the Larry Reid Memorial Coaching Development Foundation.
“I wanted to bring the cup back to the town I grew up in, played minor hockey and so many others sports, and graduated high school from. Also, to honour all those, including my parents, who sacrificed so much time and effort to help all the youth of our time with the activities and sports we pursued,” said Bennett. “I still have so many friends and family in Innisfail and the area. It will always be my hometown.
“I’m so happy and proud to bring the Stanley Cup to our home,” added Bennett. “Additionally, I’m hopeful we can raise some money to support the local hockey youth, and also highlight a great friend and mentor to me, Larry Reid, through the Larry Reid Memorial Coaching Development Foundation.”
The Town of Innisfail said in a news release that the public will have the opportunity to take a photograph with Lord Stanley’s trophy free of charge.
Event organizers will accept donations from attendees to support local youth hockey programs.
A barbecue and a game of pick-up street hockey are also on the agenda.
Attendees are invited to bring a hockey stick and a pair of gloves in order to participate in an old-fashioned game of street hockey that will be played on one of the arena’s concrete surfaces.
The barbecue, which will also be by donation, will be organized and hosted by the Rotary Club of Innisfail. The pick-up street hockey game and barbecue will both run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
A small silent auction will be held at the event featuring a few signed jerseys, sticks, and other assorted items.
Entry to the arena and access to the trophy will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
While the event is intended for Innisfail residents, attendees from outside the community can also attend.
Event organizers are only able to accept donations of cash or cheque at the event. An option to donate by
credit or debit card is not available.
Cheques should be made payable to the Innisfail Minor Hockey Association.
