The Innisfail Eagles' second Sportsman Night of 2014 was an unqualified success drawing more than 200 fans, supporters and sponsors.
With special guests Peter Maher, the voice of the Calgary Flames, and Rich Preston, noted hockey coach and player, citizens came out to support the Chinook Hockey League's Innisfail Eagles hockey team.
“We are proud of the Innisfail Eagles, who have been part of Innisfail for 67 years,” said Danny Daines, an Eagles director and MC for the evening.
Daines was quick to point out that Wild Tim's Liquor Store owners, Tim and Wanda Bullick, were instrumental in putting the evening together for the community to meet the Eagles and sample wine from a variety of suppliers.
“Tonight is an opportunity to thank the community for their support over the last year and to thank them in advance for the coming season,” said Eagles coach Brian Sutter. “It's also an opportunity to meet the players who will take our team to the Allan Cup.”
During his speech, Maher spoke of his run of being at 215 Battle of Alberta hockey games between the Oilers and the Flames, from the first one to the second-last one.
“The last battle between the Flames and Oilers was the 216th, and the first time I have ever missed one,” said Maher. “It also marked the first time I have watched a hockey game on TV. I'm getting used to it.
“To put it in perspective, when I broadcast my first hockey game almost 50 years ago, Brian was still playing junior hockey, and Rich was just leaving for the University of Denver to play hockey there,” he added.
Maher told the story of how his signature phrase, “Yeah Baby!” came about and the day he used it three times in a single game.
“I saw every Calgary game for 34 years, and yet was never part of the team that went on the Stanley Cup run in 1989 or the 2004 near win,” he said of his unique perspective on NHL history. “Yet, I still celebrated every victory, and mourned every loss.”
Preston, whose father was general manager of the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1958 to1977, has the distinction of having played hockey with Gordie, Mark and Marty Howe, Bobby Hull, and Kent Nilsson as well as coaching alongside Mike Keenan, Darryl Sutter and Brian Sutter.
“I remember one time when Keenan came into the room and he told the players to ‘pair up in threes', ‘ and ‘line up in a circle',” said Preston in remembering his time with the Chicago Blackhawks. “Another coach once told me that the two things he remembered about coaching was winning and the misery. I don't think he was far off.”
Auctioneer Duane Daines officiated the silent and live auctions for the evening, raising $6,600 for two sets of four Oilers tickets and $1,050 for a signed Preston Jersey. All funds raised went to the Innisfail Eagles.
The Eagles season started Oct. 17 with a game against the Stony Plain Eagles. The complete game schedule can be found online at www.innisfaileagles.com
