A special ceremony was held at the Blaine Lake skating arena prior to a Beaver Lake League hockey game the evening of Jan. 12.
The Muskeg Lake Blades paid tribute to a fellow player who passed away last year. Defenceman Dana "Fiver" Arcand wore jersey number 5 and in honour of the valued teammate, his jersey was retired. Dana was not only a dedicated hockey player but also a dedicated family man.
Cal Arcand introduced speakers and acknowledged special guests. MLCN chief, Cliff Tawpisin, gave a brief speech in honour of Dana, a leader and close friend.
An emotional father Larry Arcand and uncle Lenny Arcand accepted the professionally framed jerseys from former teammates. A moment of silence was respected as players and spectators honoured Dana and Percy Wayne Wolfe and Brent Wolfe, also teammates who lost their lives in the previous year. A ceremonial singer performed a memorial song while accompanied on a drum.
Delores Sand sang the national anthem in Cree and English. The hockey game commenced following an honorary faceoff with Larry and Lenny Arcand and Meadow Lake Broncos Tyler Wilson and Muskeg Lake Blades Keldon Sanderson.
The Muskeg Lake Blades team members include Cory Alexson, Jordan Greyeyes, Gil Ledoux Jr, Ryan Watson, Ryley Currie, Keldon Sanderson, Mark Arcand, Joey Ledoux, Tyler Arcand, Brendon Currie, Devon Ledoux, Lance Lafond, Cory Arcand, Clayton Dumais, John Nelson, Juston Lafond, Dennis Ledoux, Riley Longneck, Mathew Tawpisin, Austin Naytowhow, Dannell Lafond and Bradon Thomas. Coach is Cal Lafond and manager is Russell Lafond.
The Muskeg Lake Blades defeated the Meadow Lake Broncos 8-1 upholding their season record of no losses. Another great tribute to Dana.
