The Nipissing Lakers will be holding their 14th Military Appreciation Night this weekend.
The event will take place in partnership with the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) and 22 Wing Canadian Forces Base (CFB) North Bay on Saturday, January 27 at Memorial Gardens.
The Lakers women’s and men’s hockey teams will hit the ice in support of the MFRC during this annual celebration of Canada’s Armed Forces and United States Air Force in North Bay.
Celebrations will begin as the women’s team takes on the Brock University Badgers at 5 p.m. and continue as the men’s team faces off against the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold at 7:30 p.m.
The North Bay Military Wives Choir will perform the National Anthems at both games followed by a puck-drop by the 22 Wing Commander Richard Jolette.
The Lakers will don camouflage uniforms which will be auctioned off through a silent auction and presented to the winning bid post-game. The jerseys are uniquely designed with input from the players.
This year’s jerseys will feature the Centennial logo, celebrating the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100 years of service as an independent military. All proceeds will benefit the MFRC.
“We’re proud to host this exciting game once again in support of military families in North Bay,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University.
“The Military Family Resource Centre is an important resource in our community and we look forward to continuing the tradition of support and partnership with 22 Wing CFB North Bay.”
The Military Family Resource Centre is thrilled with the partnership.
“This incredible tradition of Lakers military appreciation hockey games has raised $32,000 for our Military Family Resource Centre over the past 15 years and we could not be more grateful for the support,” shared Tessa Clermont Executive Director, the Military Family Resource Centre in a release.
“This year it’s a special theme commemorating the RCAF Centennial, and once again the proceeds from the jersey auction will support local air force families at 22 Wing. Thank you to the community for continuing to attend these games; as a military spouse I know how much it means to members and families to be recognized and appreciated.”
