Hockey Day in Shellbrook will kick off Friday with a school and community skate. (Facebook/Hockey Day in Shellbrook)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Hockey Day in Shellbrook

Annual Shellbrook event continues as arena project enters final phase

Jan 16, 2020 | 2:27 PM

Shellbrook is ready to put on its annual Hockey Day skates tomorrow.

This year organizers are looking to raise $50,000 to help pay for the final stage of upgrades to the town’s arena.

Stephanie Gosselin, who sits on the organizing committee, said those who make it out will see the progress made so far.

“We have brand new glass in the lobby with an extra foot of viewing space, new rink boards, new penalty boxes, new player’s benches,” she said.

Since it launched five years ago, the day has played a large role in raising over $2 million for rink upgrades, which include a new ice plant and arena floor.

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Finishing touches will include installing solar panels on the arena’s roof.

This year’s event will begin with a community and school skate at the arena. There will also be the Tremblay Classic, Friday at 4:30 p.m., which is a student versus teacher game played in memory of a former teacher. Action continues Saturday with games including the Prince Albert Mintos in midget AAA action.

Non hockey-related events on the schedule include a performance by the local skating club. The event will wrap up with a live auction and banquet Saturday featuring Dennis Hull and XFM’s Kelly Taylor as the master of ceremonies. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Gosselin said the end is in sight for the building upgrades. There will be one more hockey day scheduled for new year and she hopes to see the event carry on, possibly with a different format.

“It’s a great weekend to be able to celebrate the arena, which is kind of the hub of our community in the winter,” she said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn