The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce the details surrounding Thank You, Mr. Hockey Day.
Thank You, Mr. Hockey Day
The City of Saskatoon has officially proclaimed September 25th, 2016, as Thank You, Mr. Hockey Day. The day will begin at 9:30am at Sasktel Centre where a private ceremony will take place for the Howe family to have Gordie and Colleen’s ashes interred at the Gordie Howe Statue. The Blades will then escort the Howe family to the newly christened Gordie Howe Bridge on Circle Drive South.
The festivities will get underway for the general public at Sasktel Centre at 12:00pm with a tailgate party. CCMA nominated country artist Brody Siebert will be performing, along with Brock Andrews. Bouncy castles will be present for kids to enjoy, and a BBQ lunch will be available to all fans.
Doors to Sasktel Centre will open at 1:00pm, and fans are encouraged to head inside to see some of the Gordie Howe artwork on hand. There will also be trophies Gordie won from the Hockey Hall Of Fame on the concourse, including the Hart Memorial and Art Ross. Fans will want to get inside early, as the first 6000 fans will receive a special collectible item.
The special pre-game ceremony will begin at 2:00pm. Play-by-play legend, Bob Cole of Hockey Night In Canada, will be on hand and leading the ceremonies.
Gordie Howe Tribute Jerseys To Be Worn By The Blades On Thank You, Mr. Hockey Day
The Blades will be wearing special tribute jerseys for the game, and memorial stickers on their helmets all season. The jerseys will then be auctioned off with all the proceeds going to the Gordie Howe Alzheimers Fund.
The puck will drop for the Blades versus the Swift Current Broncos at 2:25pm, with the entire day being presented by Merlin Ford Lincoln.
Gordie’s Legacy
The Saskatoon Blades have partnered with Saskatoon Minor Hockey for a special award which will keep Gordie’s legacy alive among young players in Saskatoon. The Gordie Howe Player Of The Year Award will be given to one player each year who is graduating from midget hockey. The Blades will also be putting up a $1000 scholarship to the award recipient. The award will go to a player who demonstrates excellence on and off the ice, displaying the values and leadership instilled in the game of hockey by Gordie himself.
The 50/50 during the game will be operated by the Zone G Saskatoon Red Wings Minor Hockey Club. The Blades are proud to have close ties with Saskatoon Minor Hockey, including our very own goaltender Brock Hamm, who started out as a Saskatoon Red Wing. A portion of the profits from the 50/50 will be donated to the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Fund. Quinn was a former Saskatoon Red Wing, and his mother Bonny is still very active within the minor hockey scene.
