On November 27th, Churchbridge will host its second ever SJHL game at the Kaminski Arena when the La Ronge Ice Wolves tangle with the Melville Millionaires. Former Washington Capitals player, Kevin Kaminski, who played with the Caps between 1993-1997, is now currently Head Coach and General Manager of the La Ronge Ice Wolves Hockey Club.
Kaminski brought the SJHL club from La Ronge to Churchbridge in 2019 and is looking forward to reuniting with the arena again. Kaminski stated, “It’s always an honour to come back home! But even more special to play in front of my hometown where a lot of awesome memories are in that rink!” Kaminski is extremely excited about the opportunity and will focus on preparing the players as if they were playing any regular game. He added, “Hopefully we can get a win for the players and for Churchbridge.“
Back on October 21, 2019, the Ice Wolves previously played in Churchbridge for a neutral site game against the Yorkton Terriers. At this game, the new name for the Churchbridge hockey rink was newly revealed as the Kaminski Arena. The facility was renamed to thank Kevin for all the support he’s provided to local groups and committees throughout the years.
As far as the ice surface goes in Churchbridge, the ice plant started producing as of last Friday. The goal was to start flooding the ice surface by last Monday. Carter Prier, an organizer for the SJHL game, explained that the rink will be able to host CanSkate, Pre-Novice, Novice and Atom teams this year, as well as a bunch of rentals.
If you would like to purchase tickets to the SJHL game, Carter mentioned that, “Tickets will be sold at the Town of Churchbridge Office, BBs Variety and Liquor, Langenburg Esso, Churchbridge Credit Union, Esterhazy Home Hardware and the Melville Millionaires will also sell some tickets too.”
Once the tickets are available, you can also call Carter Prier at 306-399-7333 if you want a ticket as well. During the previous game in 2019, the arena sold around 570 tickets; there were about 520 attendees. The attendance isn’t expected to be as big due to the current situation, but the goal for this year is to sell at least 400 tickets.
Attendees will have to show proof of double vaccination or a negative test result within the last 72 hours. There are private firms who can provide this test result.
When people enter the arena for the SJHL game, they are expected to show their ticket then they can show their vaccination status. The local arena did not make the rules and they must follow them or else face the possibility of being fined or shut down.
The kitchen will be open and the arena is planning on having a liquor area open as well. The Blue Room will be open for fans upstairs.
For minor hockey events this year, you don’t have to show proof of vaccination, but the SJHL game is a ticketed event and therefore proof of vaccination is required.
To update the status of the rink tenders, there were three spots available initially. Toni Prier will take care of the lobby and dressing room area. Veronica and Dale DePape will work in the kitchen. Joel VanCaeseele will look after the ice.
In the rink, masks are mandatory unless eating food or consuming some sort of drink. There will be tables available during the SJHL game to sit and eat in the lobby, although it is acceptable to eat your food elsewhere.
Churchbridge will have public skating available this year. Masks are required while skating if you are over the age of 18.
Speaking about what to expect during the SJHL game, Prier said, “We’re hoping to see around 400 people for the SJHL game. There will be a 50-50 and a puck-chuck. There are lots of volunteers lined up to help with the various tasks and the rink board is very appreciative of everybody. After the game, the goal is to feed the Ice Wolves and Kaminski. The goal is to utilize the Evergreen Club like last time to show appreciation to the club.”
For closing comments about the game, Carter said, “Come on out, enjoy yourselves and watch a good game of hockey while helping a great local cause.”
Carter Prier, an organizer for the SJHL game, stands in front of the rink kitchen in Churchbridge. Once tickets are available they can be purchased at the Town of Churchbridge Office, BBs Variety and Liquor Langenburg Esso, Churchbridge Credit Union, Esterhazy Home Hardware and the Melville Millionaires.