Canadiens Charity Game

Wednesday, 5 February 2014 at 09:25

It's an event any local Habs fan will be drooling over, all in support of the Oxford CMHA

Woodstock will be welcoming some former NHL greats that wore a Montreal Canadiens jersey.

The charity alumni hockey game is set for February 22nd at the Woodstock Community Complex. Some of the notable Habs alumni coming to the Friendly City includes Chris Nilan, Stephane Richer, and Guy Lafleuras coach. The alumni team will be taking on a team of Oxford County hockey players, to add a local flare.

But just as important as the hockey, is the cause.

The Canadian Mental Health Association of Oxford County Executive Director Mike McMahon explains what the proceeds are going towards. "Our funding does not include any support for awareness programming, mental health education, stigma busting....this is the front line of mental health care, to help people to take care of themselves if they have an episode of mental illness."

McMahon hopes it will be a special weekend for all hockey fans, not just those with an affinity for Montreal. "There is a real core group of Montreal Canadiens fans in Oxford County who are really excited about this, so we think it's a night to celebrate our national past time. It's right during the Olympics, Montreal Canadiens Alumni on the Saturday, with the gold medal game on the Sunday afternoon. We think it's going to be a great weekend."

McMahon, who is a big Habs fan himself, was able to find some community support in the form of local business owners, who are also big Canadiens fans who were willing to come to the table as event sponsors. That included the owners of Allen Castle Building Centre, Montana's/Kelsey's and Jamison Hilts Insurance Brokers.

Tickets for the event are $10 and can be purchased online at https://habs4mentalhealth.eventbrite.ca or by calling the CMHA Oxford Branch at 519-539-8055 x200.

LINE UP FOR THE GAME:
Richard Sévigny
Gilbert Delorme
Mathieu Dandenault
Pierre Dagenais
Normand Dupont
Sergio Momesso
Stéphane Richer
Steve Shutt
Steve Penney
Guy Lafleur (coach)