By Drew Wilson

WHL Ride for the Kids kicks off in Prince Albert

Jun 2, 2011 | 8:03 AM

The Prince Albert Raiders are set to host the official kickoff for the WHL Ride for the Kids.

At 6:00 p.m. Sunday in the Ches Leach Lounge at the Art Hauser Centre, the ride will be launched.

The WHL Ride for the Kids presented by Scotiabank, will feature former WHL and NHL players participating in a 655 kilometre bike relay across the province of Saskatchewan to raise awareness and funding for the new Children’s Hospital in Saskatchewan.

The event will officially begin Sunday with a banquet that will feature Raider alumni Peter Anholt as the Master of Ceremonies and include NHL Alumni Kelly Chase.

Chase came up with the idea while on CBC’s Battle of the Blades television program during the winter and has sought the assistance of fellow WHL Alumni Dave Chartier and Curtis Leschyshyn to put it together.

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It's a way to give back to the people who supported them throughout their hockey careers, said Chase.

“The Western Hockey League has always been very supportive, so I just thought this would be a great opportunity for us to get a group of guys together to see old friends, but more importantly raise some money for a cause that is well needed in the province.”

Raider alumni scheduled to attend the Sunday kick off include David Manson, Ryan McDonald, Garrett Zemlak and Dustin Cameron.

Other WHL/NHL Alumni expected to be in attendance are former Prince Albert Minto and current Calgary Flame Robin Regehr, former Moose Jaw Warrior and long-time Montreal Canadien Mike Keane, former Lethbridge Hurricane and member of the Washington Capitals DJ King, Florida Panther Darcy Hordichuk, former Calgary Hitman and Minnesota Wild prospect Joel Broda and Toronto Maple Leaf Colby Armstrong.

Prince Albert is the perfect place to start, said Chase.

“One of the things I was amazed with and reminded of is the way they support hockey and their guys that have been away. You call Prince Albert and the first thing you hear is, ‘hey we are on board,’ and the second thing they tell you is, ‘hey we are sold out.’ It's amazing what they do there and I'm just really proud to be from that area,” he said.

“I've been to Prince Albert to speak a few times, as well as dropping in a few times periodically throughout the summer when I'm home and it will be great to go back and see some of the guys I used to play against.”

Leschyshyn has become a triathlete since retiring from hockey so he can ride on his own, said Chase.

“There's no question we stay completely away from his group when they are riding. We don't try to kid each other. I've heard rumours that Dave Manson is even bringing a Harley Davidson. He might be the wisest of the bunch.”

There will be a live and silent auction Sunday night with proceeds to the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Broda Family of Prince Albert has pledged to match every dollar raised through the auctions at the event for the Children’s Hospital.

On Monday morning, 15 riders will leave Scotiabank at Cornerstone to begin the WHL Ride for the Kids at 9:00 a.m.

dwilson@rawlco.com