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WHL to Present Milestone Award to Blazers Thursday

Published on February 3, 2016 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release


Calgary, AB - The Western Hockey League (WHL) will honour the Kamloops Blazers franchise with the WHL Milestone Award ahead of the WHL's 50th Season Pro Am Alumni Game Thursday night in Kamloops, BC.

The award will honour the Blazers' three Memorial Cup titles won in 1992, 1994 and 1995, a feat no other team in Memorial Cup or Canadian Hockey League history has achieved.

"The WHL Milestone Award was created to recognize remarkable achievements by WHL players, coaches and officials as well as WHL Championship teams," commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. "The Kamloops Blazers and the members of the team that captured three Memorial Cup championships in four seasons are most deserving of this award based on this incredible achievement that has not been matched our history."

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada kicks off in Kamloops today and will run through Saturday in the Tournament Capital. As part of the festivities, the WHL will host its 50th Season Pro Am Alumni Game on Thursday evening at the Sandman Centre. The WHL Milestone Award will be presented to the Blazers with a banner-raising ceremony prior to the 7:30 p.m. puck drop.

Three members of all three Kamloops Blazers' Memorial Cup teams will be on hand to receive the award; General Manager Bob Brown, Assistant General Manager Stu MacGregor (also the current general manager of the Blazers) and forward Darcy Tucker. Head Coach Don Hay as well as forwards Tyson Nash and Ryan Huska will also be honoured in the ceremony for their roles on all three championship teams.

Previously, the WHL announced that Canadian country music star Gord Bamford will suit up in the game. Kamloops fans will have a chance to be Gord Bamford's guest at the Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada Celebrity Luncheon on Thursday afternoon, and to receive tickets to cheer Gord on at the Pro Am game, courtesy of Kamloops Country 103. Fans are encouraged to listen to Country 103 for contest details.

Fans will also have an opportunity to bid on all player jerseys and receive them off the players' backs, on-ice at the conclusion of the game. Proceeds from the jersey auction will be donated to KidSport (www.kidsportcanada.ca), a charitable organization that provides financial assistance to kids who want to play organized sports. Both the WHL and Gord Bamford have long been supporters of KidSport. In addition to the jersey fundraiser, the Gord Bamford Foundation has pledged $125,000 to the organization over a five-year commitment.

Tickets for the WHL 50th Season ProAm Game are available now at the Sandman Centre Box Office (250-828-3339) or Sahali TicketMaster (Adults/Seniors/Youth-$10 plus tax; Children 12 and under $5 plus tax).

Fans are encouraged to wear a jersey throughout the week celebrating Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. Additional Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada events taking place in Kamloops from February 3 to 6, 2016, include:

Celebrity Luncheon

Thursday, February 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (doors open 11:15 a.m.) - Tournament Capital Centre

With special guests Ron MacLean, Don Cherry, Trevor Linden, as well as numerous NHL Alumni™, the Stanley Cup and Memorial Cup.

Tickets $50 (taxes included)-Tickets available at the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, please call 778-257-5900.

The Music of Hockey Presented by Scotiabank, with host Ron MacLean

Friday, February 5, 2016-7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Sandman Centre

Musical guests include hockey legend Bryan Trottier, Dave Bidini & Bidini Band, Tom Wilson, Barney Bentall, Amelia Curran, Craig Northey and Lindy Vopnfjord with numerous special guests making stage appearances throughout the evening.

All tickets $5.00-available at the Sandman Centre Box Office

Kamloops Blazers VS Edmonton Oil Kings

Saturday, February 6, 2016- 5:00 p.m. - Sandman Centre

Special Guests Ron MacLean and Don Cherry will be on-site for the official puck drop

Tickets are available at the Sandman Centre Box Office

A number of other free, local community activities will also take place throughout the community over the multi-day hockey celebration, including an Opening Ceremony at Sun Peaks on Wednesday, February 3, public viewings of the Stanley Cup®, the Memorial Cup, school visits and minor hockey clinics. On Saturday, February 6 at Sandman Centre, hockey fans will enjoy a youth road hockey tournament, Sportsnet's live 13-hour broadcast featuring all seven all seven Canadian NHL® teams in action, NHL Alumni™ autograph sessions, free merchandise, and a Blazers pre-game party. The weekend will also play host to Scotiabank's Community HockeyFest event, where sponsored minor hockey teams can participate in an on-ice clinic with NHL Alumni™.

Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is a nationally televised event, produced by Sportsnet. Each year a host city is selected from a number of applicants, with the 2016 event to be hosted in Kamloops, BC.

Previous host locations include: Halifax, NS (2015); Lloydminster, AB/SK (2014); Peterborough, ON (2013); Prince Edward Island (2012); Whitehorse, Yukon (2011); Stratford, ON (2010); Campbellton, N.B. (2009); Winkler, MB (2008); Nelson, B.C. (2007); Stephenville, N.L., (2006); Shaunavon, SK (2004); Iqualuit, Nunavut (2003); Windsor, N.S. (2002); Red Deer, AB (2001); and Toronto, ON (2000).

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