The Innisfail Eagles along with NHL legends Peter Maher and Rich Preston are kicking the 2014-15 season off with the first Sportsman Night to introduce the new team to the public.
On Oct. 10, the Innisfail Eagles will be unveiling their 2014-15 lineup during an evening with Peter Maher, the voice of the Calgary Flames, and former NHLer Rich Preston, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Innisfail's Royal Canadian Legion.
“This is a great opportunity to meet Brian Sutter and the Innisfail Eagles,” said Danny Daines, a club director. “With Maher coming out to share his more than 30 years experience in the NHL as a broadcaster and Preston coming out to support the team, it will be an awesome night.”
Maher had been the voice of the Calgary Flames since their move to Calgary in 1980 and was the regular announcer of Flames games on Sportsnet 960 until his retirement earlier this year. He has also announced games for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the 2010 Olympics hockey broadcasts.
Daines pointed out that for Maher to come to Innisfail is an honour for hockey fans with the legacy he has created over his broadcasting career.
“His knowledge of hockey is amazing,” said Daines. “He was there when the Flames won their Stanley Cup in 1989, and his position in hockey history is unique. Maher is in the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame and is also a Foster Hewitt Award winner. This is big for Innisfail and the Eagles.”
The evening will also include liquor and wine tasting with door prizes and NHL memorabilia up for grabs through live and silent auctions.
Innisfail Eagles hockey starts on October 3 to 5 for the second Annual Chinook Hockey League Pre-season Classic, which will feature six teams, that will be held at the Innisfail Arena. The regular season schedule has not yet been released.
Maher noted he had heard from Brian Burke and Preston about the July Eagles Sportsman Dinner and looked forward to being part of the evening.
“Since I retired I've done a few fundraising events like dinners and golf tournaments around the province,” said Maher. “Whether I've just spoken, or MCed, there is a large gamut of questions that I get, but someone always mentions the 1989 Flames Stanley Cup, and the 2004 cup run that ended in a Game 7 loss to Tampa Bay.”
He added he tries to mention how fortunate he was to become an NHL broadcaster, with his start in Campbellton, N. B., a town similar to Innisfail.
“I was announcing senior men's hockey and had an opportunity to announce a Toronto Maple Leafs game. Little did I know that it was going to be the beginning of a 37-year career in broadcasting,” said Maher. “Along the way I got some breaks but anything is possible if you put yourself out there.”
When the Eagles hosted their first Sportsman Dinner and Golf Tournament last summer the legion was filled to capacity. Daines expects the fall Sportsman Night to be just as successful.
Tickets are $30 apiece and available for pickup at the Innisfail Auction Market. Citizens can call Daines at 403-391-0580 or email [email protected] for tickets or for more information.
