Next weekend the Humboldt Broncos will celebrate the past, present and future.
It will begin with a look at the rich tradition of the history of the hockey club, as the first Humboldt Broncos Alumni Game kicks off the festivities at the Elgar Petersen Arena on Saturday, February 15 at 1:30.
President Amanda Schlachter says the preparations for the alumni game has been in the works for quite some time.
“The idea was presented to me and our vice-president Rhett Blackmur about a year ago and we presented to the board and we kind of wanted to make it a weekend where people can come and have some fun and remember how it is to play for the Broncos.”
With the benefit of social media, planning for an event like an alumni game is much easier, says Schlachter. Instead of tracking down former players' locations and sending them letters in the mail, the team was able to create awareness with alerts on their social media channels, along with email contacts.
The paths former players take following the days as a Bronco are wide ranging. Some remain inside of the community, while others venture into new locations, Schlachter says there will be a mix of locals and players travelling a great distance, including one from the United States.
“We have some from BC, Alberta, Manitoba and also a lot of local players.”
Some local players that will be suiting up for the alumni game include Blackmur, Blair Wourms and Neil Landry.
One person who will be busy on Saturday is the head coach of the Humboldt Broncos Brayden Klimosko. Before he guides the current edition of the team, he will suit up in the alumni game, Schlachter noted when the plans began for the alumni game, they scheduled it during a weekend when the Battlefords North Stars were in town, the former squad led by Klimosko.
Schlachter added that if there are any other former players that are on the fence in playing, there is still some time remaining, as they will accept registrations until Monday, February 10.
Once the former Broncos are done on the ice, the current edition of the team will take the ice as they meet the North Stars in what should be an exciting divisional matchup. It will be an early start time at 5:00.
The main reason for the early faceoff is following the game, there will be a mixer with the alumni, players and fans. Comedian Kelly Taylor will be providing entertainment for the night.
Future Bronco players will have the chance to meet the current team on Family Day, (Monday, February 17th) when the Broncos host the Yorkton Terriers, with a special start time at 3:00.
Admission for the game will be free, as Schlachter explains that the team wanted to give everyone to see the team in action.
At the conclusion of the game, fans will have the opportunity to share the ice with the Broncos, as there will be a free public skate with the team following the hockey game. Schlachter says it will give the young fans a chance to meet their current hockey heroes.
Here’s a list of some of the players taking part in the Broncos Alumni game.
