Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames alum skate for a good cause
'This means everything to everybody, it's something to cheer for in the economic times that we're in'
The Falun Outdoor Classic — it's not quite as popular as the few the NHL put on every year, but to the people of Falun, Alta., a hamlet about a half hour west of Westaskiwin, it's the biggest event their community has seen.
It was the battle of Alberta alum on the Falun community rink on Saturday, with former Calgary Flames facing off against former Edmonton Oilers.
One of the organizers Neil Brown says the event was a long time coming.
"This is the single biggest event that's ever been held here," he said. "This means everything to everybody, it's something to cheer for in the economic times that we're in. And that's what it's all about."
Brown said part of the funds raised through the game will go towards erecting a shelter for the Falun rink. The rest will go to the University of Alberta's Centre of Excellence for Gastrointestinal Inflammation and Immunity Research.
Over 400 people came out to watch the players on an unseasonably warm December day.
Former Edmonton Oiler Fernando Pisani said playing on the outdoor rink with former teammates made it easy to get involved.
"We were fortunate enough to play a game that we loved, and were able to make a living out of it," he said. "And if we can do some good by coming to smaller towns and raising money for different events then that's just a bonus for us."