Canadiens alumni heading over to Art Hauser

Despite his preparation, or lack thereof, Manson will rely on his thick hockey resume to be prepared.

Manson played 1103 NHL games across 17 NHL seasons, and played three of them with the Canadiens from 1996-1999.

“It’s a game I played for many years, I don’t think I’ll forget,” said Manson. “I’m on the ice everyday with the kids and I do drills. That’s about it.

“It’s going to be good. Anytime you get ex-pro’s together, it’s usually a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to it and it should be exciting. I’m just hoping that in some way I can contribute.”

Also featured on the Rejects are two fellow professionals from Prince Albert. Brad Bergen played 16 years of professional hockey in Germany, along with representing the German national team at the Olympics. Local goalie-turned-comedian Kelly Taylor will play half the game in goal, before his post-game stand-up set.

Ron Bergen, Brad’s father, is the chairman of the Mont St. Joseph Foundation and helped organize the event. Ron is also playing in it despite being 74 years young, a fact he used to recruit the hesitant Taylor, who admitted he hadn’t played hockey yet this season.

“I said you’ll be okay. You’ll have a 74-year-old guy protecting you out front,” Ron said in his conversation with Taylor. “He started laughing and then said ‘Yeah okay, I’ll play.’”

Canadiens legend Guy LaFleur will coach the Habs alumni team, which will feature Richard Sévigny, Steve Penney, Stéphane Richer, Chris Nilan, Jocelyn Lemieux, Normand Dupont, Francis Bouillon, Gilles Thibaudeau, Jesse Bélanger, Rick Green, Gilbert Delorme, along with local Ken Malenfant to make an even 12 players.

Fred Sasakamoose, the first aboriginal to play in the NHL, will drop the puck at centre ice to kick off the game.

The game is at 6:30 p.m. at the Art Hauser Centre. Tickets are $25, while V.I.P tickets are $50 and are available through the Raiders ticket office. Kids and minor hockey players can come in free if accompanied by an adult. Proceeds will go to the Mont St. Joseph Foundation.

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea

by Jeff D'Andrea

Canadiens alumni heading over to Art Hauser

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