Premier Wab Kinew and Mayor Scott Gillingham will go head to head later this month in a friendly hockey game.
It's all part of the Winnipeg 150 City vs. Province Hockey Game at Gateway Recreation Centre, which will see the mayor, city councillors and members of Winnipeg's Public Service face off against the Premier, MLAs and provincial staff.
“Most of us spend more time passing laws than passing pucks these days, but Winnipeg is a hockey town, and this is a fun way to celebrate our city’s 150th anniversary and the strong connection between the City and Province,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “I can’t promise the hockey will be pretty, but the municipal government is all about being scrappy and digging hard in the corners. We’re going to give it 110 percent and stick to the game plan.”
“When it comes to governing, our team is always focused on where the puck is going, so we’ll have to prove that on the ice,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “I’m excited to face off with the Mayor and his team to celebrate Winnipeg’s 150th anniversary in front of a packed barn full of the best fans in the NHL – Manitobans.”
The event recreates a similar match played 50 years ago during the City’s centennial, when Mayor Stephen Juba’s “City Fathers” took on Premier Edward Schreyer’s “Golden Boys.”
The game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30. Puck drop is at 11:15 a.m. Admission is free, and the first 250 attendees will receive complimentary hotdogs and drinks, courtesy of the City of Winnipeg. Fans are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for Manitoba Harvest.