INNISFAIL – Hockey’s Holy Grail will soon be in full view for 15 minutes along Innisfail’s Main Street.
The Town of Innisfail has released additional details of the Stanley Cup’s visit to Innisfail on Aug. 8.
A formal procession will take place on the morning of Monday, Aug. 8 between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m.
In a recent news release, the town said members of the public are encouraged to come view the Stanley Cup as it is delivered to the Innisfail Twin Arena.
Former Innisfail resident Ray Bennett, who recently won the Stanley Cup as part of the coaching staff of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, will accompany the trophy along with representatives from Innisfail Minor Hockey Association, Innisfail Eagles, Innisfail RCMP, and Innisfail Fire & Protective Services personnel.
Bennett 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.
“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.
To accommodate the Aug. 8 event, Main Street (50th Street) will be temporarily closed between 9 and about 10 a.m. on Aug. 8.
The street will reopen immediately following the event. The public will be able to view the procession from pedestrian areas along 50th Street between 49th and 51st avenues.
At 10 a.m., a separate event will take place at the Innisfail Twin Arena. Members of the public will have an opportunity for a photo with the cup. There is no cost to attend.
The Aug. 8 event will be a fundraiser for the Innisfail Minor Hockey Association and the Larry Reid Memorial Coaching Development Foundation.
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.
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.
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 Innisfail Minor Hockey Association.
For more details on this event visit: www.bit.ly/3zaMjoy
