The Christmas Classic is back on Dec. 23 with tons of amazing prizes and fun for the whole family. The big prize is two tickets to the Canucks vs Oilers game on Jan 18 and a two-night stay at Sutton Place donated by the Kalesnikoffs. There will also be a shoot to win for $10,000 at the intermission as well as other great prizes.
The annual event is a combination of hockey, fundraising and fun with a bit of good-natured ribbing and competitiveness thrown in.
This year's Christmas Classic features Team Price vs Team Jones.
Local hockey legend Tyler Jones was not only a force for the Rebels over his years as a star defenceman, but also proves equal to the task as general manager of adult league hockey as he’s quick to let you know.
“Look guys, I took the worst team in the CGHL and last year we were lifting the cup. Team Price has had a run of four straight wins, but the guys picking the teams before me are amateur hour. Time to separate the Pros from the Joes,” said Jones.
A confident Jones will need to walk the walk if he’s going to end Team Price’s four-year winning streak as Team Price's captain and Classic founder Bergen Price comments.
“Yes, Jones is a cut throat GM and he won Lord Kootenay's Cup last year, but this is the Classic. I’ve won four straight Stanley’s Cups and I pay the refs, so good luck Jonesy.”
Regardless of which team wins, all proceeds go towards various charities, local needs and back into making the event better each year. This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Classic. Over the past twelve years the event as raised funds for local seniors (IRIS), Gentlemen's Hockey League (CGHL), Castlgegar Rebels, Wildcats Hockey club, the Selkirk Saints and other local families in need.
All hockey games are free to attend. The beer gardens and 50/50 start at 3 p.m. with the Max Ice Hockey Game. Then the Old Timers hockey game will start at 4:45 p.m. followed by The Christmas Classic Hockey game at 6:30 p.m.
After the game there will be a dance and lounge after party. Tickets to these are $10 and you can pick them up at the event or in advance at Cartwright's Pub, Source for Sports, Moonrise Boutique and Tailout Brewery. The dance and lounge will be open until 1:30 a.m.
None of this is possible without the generous sponsors that have donated prizes and funds to help this event grow. Kootenay Charters is providing safe rides home for the community the entire night, The Brick is providing the teddy bear toss, Bounce Radio and The Goat are helping to promote the event, Hall Printing is donating all printing of event promotions, Teck, Vallen, McDonald's, Uptown Liquor and Star Transfer all have donated funds to help staff and provide a top-notch event for the whole community to enjoy.
"As we continue to grow The Classic Foundation and the Christmas Classic event, we would love to include the entire Kootenay community to not only make this a Castlegar event, but a West Kootenay event," adds Price. "We hope you all come, enjoy the sub-par level of hockey and most importantly enjoy each other’s company over this holiday season."
