Hockey moms, dads, volunteers, coaches and players will be gathering together this fall to celebrate the 30th birthday of one of Sackville's most recognized hockey teams, The Blazers.
The Sackville Blazers Junior Hockey Club is celebrating by attempting to bring together players from every year since the club was formed in 1982. Current club president Dianne Gray said she has received positive feedback from players near and far.
"We have one former player coming back home from Toronto just for the event," she said.
Forty-nine-year old Bob Warren — known as Bobby when he laced up for the Blazers in 1982 — said he's looking forward to seeing some old friends and meeting new players. He doesn't play hockey now, but is still involved as a coach and is certainly proud of his time as a Blazer.
"We had some great players right here in Sackville.," he said. "High goal scorers; enough to form a really competitive team."
Andy Conrad coached the Blazers during their most successful years to date when they were Nova Scotia and Atlantic Champions for an unprecedented three years in a row. Those 2003 to 2005 teams were inducted into the Sackville Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
Conrad said it's important to celebrate the teams' accomplishments.
"At the inductee banquet, the contributions of founding member Bill Chase and others that are no longer with us were noted," he said. "I think now it's great that the teams and current volunteers are taking time from their normal season preparations to organize an event to recognize the 30th anniversary."
Gray said the event will be an opportunity to celebrate the past and the future of the Sackville Blazers.
"Although the players have changed over the years, the team still continues to achieve success due to the tireless efforts of the coaching staff and support of the executive community," said Gray. "And we continue to grow."
Conrad said that many of Sackville's best players have suited up for the Blazers and this event is a great attempt to link the players from many generations.
"The Sackville Blazers are very important to the Sackville hockey community as it gives some of the local high school players a place to play after they graduate."
Conrad also said the organization is recognized by Hockey Nova Scotia for it's high quality program."
The Blazers 30th year celebration weekend will be held from October 13 to October 15. The event will include a meet and greet, alumni hockey game and golf tournament. To participate in any of the events or to find out more information: sackvilleblazers@gmail.com or jrbblazers@goalline.ca.
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