A packed house watched the Vancouver Canucks alumni squad down the Langley Knights 11-5.
Cliff Ronning had three goals, while John Craighead scored twice and set up one other for the alumni squad.
Craighead usually patrols the bench for the junior B Knights, but the former pro player traded his coat and tie for skates and a stick to suit up against his charges.
Denis Pederson had a goal and three helpers for the alumni team while Jyrki Lumme contributed a goal and two assists. Also suiting up for the team was Langley country singer star Chad Brownlee, who was a sixth round draft pick of the Canucks in 2003.
John Ashbridge, the Vancouver Canucks’ public address announcer, and anthem singer Mark Donnelly were also on hand, while singer Michelle Szulc sang the American anthem.
For the Knights, Levi De Waal scored the team’s first goal. The game was stopped so De Waal could receive an NHL alumni association jersey, as well as getting a pie in the face for his efforts.
The game was played on Sunday at the George Preston Recreation Centre and served as a fundraiser with proceeds going to Sophie’s Place, a child advocacy centre and the Langley Child Development Centre.
A final tally was still being finalized as of Monday.
Sunday’s game also featured an autograph session as well as a VIP dinner afterwards with members of the alumni team.
The evening was organized by Craighead, with several local businesses stepping up as sponsors. He did say that there is a chance the game could become an annual event.
Dan Ferguson/Langley Times
Below: Hockey commentator Garry Valk signs a Stanley Cup for a young fan; John Craighead (white) normally coaches the Knights, but on Sunday, he was up against his players as he suited up for the Canucks alumni squad in their 11-5 victory; Langley country music star Chad Brownlee — a 2003 Vancouver draft pick — also suited up for the Canucks; and B.J. MacDonald played old-school helmet-less hockey.
