The Battlefords were represented strongly during SaskEnergy Hockey Weekend Saturday in St. Walburg.
Four teams from the area competed in front of packed stands throughout the day. The Battlefords Blackhawks faced off against the St. Walburg Initiation Eagles. In the intermission between the game, two players from the Blackhawks were selected to take part in a game with SaskEnergy mascot Gus the Gasasaurus. The players were blindfolded and had to find Gus on the ice with the help of the fans in attendance.
The next game was between the Battlefords Sharks and the Saskatoon Diamond Energy Wildcats of the SMFAAAHL. The Sharks won their first game of 2014, beating the Wildcats 4-3 in a shootout.
The Battlefords Stars were out next to play the Beardy's Blackhawks in SMAAAHL action. The Stars dominated the Blackhawks 6-0, led by Josh LaFramboise's hat trick.
Following the game, the Stanley Cup made an appearance in the lobby. There were long lines, but everyone had the opportunity to have their picture taken with the trophy.
Before it left for the day, Lord Stanley's Cup was involved in the ceremonial faceoff for the SJHL game between the Battlefords North Stars and the Notre Dame Hounds. The North Stars edged the Hounds 2-1 after a late goal from Jack Petrino. The vocal crowd was largely cheering for the North Stars.
St. Walburg Minor Hockey Association president Trevor Novak was happy with how the event turned out. He estimated the weekend raised over $75,000 for arena repairs.
