One of the biggest events on the Saskatchewan hockey calendar will be taking place in North Battleford.
The Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame announced over the weekend that their fifth annual induction dinner will be held at the Civic Centre on Saturday July 22.
“It’s going to be huge for not just our community but the entire Battlefords North Stars organization,” North Stars president and host committee chair Troy Slywka said.
“To have the opportunity to host this event is truly phenomenal, and we’re anticipating a really good turnout for the event.”
The Hall of Fame, which is located in Swift Current, opened in 2012 and has rotated the induction dinner around the province each year.
It has previously taken place in Swift Current, Regina, Prince Albert, Humboldt and Weyburn.
“Not only do we want to highlight the contributors that are entering the hall of fame from that area, but it also serves as a major fundraising event for the teams in the community,” Saskatchewan Hockey Association marketing and communications manager Sheri Trapp said.
“Our general manager Kelly McClintock and the hall of fame board reached out to the North Stars a few months ago and everything has been in the works since then.”
This year’s induction class will also have a local flavour to it.
Olympic medalist Fiona Smith-Bell of Edam will be inducted in the player category and the Northwest Hockey Development Association will be enshrined in the grassroots category.
The late Stan Dunn, who coached the Battleford Barons of the SJHL and was later the bench boss for the Battlefords Midget AAA Stars, will be inducted in the builder category.
Battleford’s Ken Wheler will enter the hall of fame in the official category while the 1983-84 Senior B Provincial champion Wilkie Outlaws will be inducted in the team division.
“I think having those inductees from the area is going to make it a great event,” Slywka said.
“I can guarantee you that you’ll probably see the Outlaws have a reunion that weekend, and you’re going to have a number of people from the Battlefords coming back to town for the induction dinner.”
Also entering the Hall of Fame are four-time Stanley Cup champions Bob Bourne and the late Eddie Litzenberger.
Graham Tuer will be inducted as a builder, while the 2000-01 Allen Cup champion Lloydminster Border Kings will be enshrined in the team category.
Tickets for dinner, which will cost $75 per person and $500 for a table of eight, will be available through the North Stars office and will go on sale next month.
“We’re planning on having a number of events during the weekend besides the dinner, as we really want to make this an event,” Slywka said.
“We’re looking to have a road hockey tournament, a pancake breakfast and a few other activities.”
