Photo: The visit is part of a new initiative, Hockey and Health Days, aimed at connecting hockey, mental health and community members. / Courtesy of JRMCC Sport and recreation department
By Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
The Stanley Cup will make its way to northern Saskatchewan from Feb. 5 to 8, with stops in six communities within the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
Former NHL players Bryan Trottier and Rich Pilon are expected to accompany the trophy and participate in a series of community events, including school visits, speaking engagements and public meet-and-greets.
Kevin Roberts, director of sports and recreation for the JRMCC, told SaskToday the visit is being held in partnership with the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) and Inspire 365.
“In conjunction with the visit, former NHLers Bryan Trottier and Rich Pilon will be participating in speaking engagements with local schools, community visits, as well as a meet and greet prior to the Feb. 7 SJHL Ice Wolves game against the Nipawin Hawks,” Roberts said.
A community breakfast is also scheduled, which will include Trottier and Pilon, along with opportunities for photos with the Stanley Cup.
“The visit is part of a new initiative, Hockey and Health Days, aimed at connecting hockey, mental health and community members,” Roberts said.
Trottier played 18 seasons in the NHL with the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997 and is the only Saskatchewan-born player to win six Stanley Cups. Trottier is of Indigenous descent, with Cree, Chippewa and Métis ancestry through his father.
Pilon, who is of Métis heritage, was born in Saskatoon and grew up in St. Louis, Sask. He spent 15 seasons in the NHL as a defenceman with the New York Islanders, New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues.
Schedule
Thursday, Feb. 5
• 9:30 a.m. — Rhoda Hardlotte Memorial Keethanow High School, Stanley Mission
• 2:30 p.m. — Nihthow Awasis School, Grandmother’s Bay
• 6 p.m. — Sucker River band office
Friday, Feb. 6
• 9:30 a.m. — Bells Point Elementary School
• 1:30 p.m. — Senator Myles Venne School
Saturday, Feb. 7
• 9 a.m. — Community breakfast, JRMCC
• 3 p.m. — Meet and greet, JRMCC
• 7:30 p.m. — La Ronge Ice Wolves vs. Nipawin Hawks
Sunday, Feb. 8
• 9:30 a.m. — Sally Ross School, Hall Lake
• 2:30 p.m. — Little Red Community Hall