Annual hockey alumni game set for Dec. 26

In what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition, the ninth annual Houlton Hockey Alumni Game is back.
This year’s game will be played on Saturday, Dec. 26 at 3:15 p.m. at the John Millar Civic Center. Organizer Sam Wright invites all Houlton hockey alumni to join a team.
    All hockey players out of high school and older are invited to skate in the Alumni Game. Teams will play in a Round Robin format with a championship game between the two top teams. Games consist of two 20-minute periods and will follow “gentlemen’s rules.” There will be no checking, so players can participate without fear of missing the next two weeks of work.
There are several options for those who wish to sign up for a team. Skaters can go to the Millar Civic Center and put their name on the sign-up sheet. For those who are out of town, call Christy Fitzpatrick after Dec. 20 at 532-6877 to be placed on the roster. Walk-on players will also be welcomed the day of the game.  All skaters are reminded that alcohol is prohibited in all parts of the Millar Civic Center. The traditional “hat” will be passed in the locker rooms to help cover the cost of ice time.
In addition to players, volunteers are also needed for the event. Even the best-mannered alumni need guidance from a friendly referee, so those with referee skills are encouraged to lend their talents for the afternoon. And for everyone who has missed getting to collect tickets there are 50-50 tickets to be sold, run the clock or man the penalty boxes, here is your chance to relive those happy times. Sign up at the civic center or call Fitzpatrick to volunteer.
Not only is the Alumni Game great fun to play in, it is great fun to watch. The games will feature some of the great players of past Houlton-Hodgdon Blackhawks teams, as well as earlier legends. Who could pass up the opportunity to watch Nic Joslyn, Aaron Fitzpatrick, Luke Joseph or Dana Johnson in net.  Or thrill to offensive breakaways by Sam Carter, Ian Pasquarelli, Andy McPartland, Dave Carmichael, or Mark Russell and the stellar play of defense giants like Matt Fithian, Matt Fitzpatrick, Alex Mooers and Sam and Ben Tweedie.
Just make a donation and join the crowd and cheer on the stars of yesterday and yesteryear. Proceeds of the Alumni Game benefit Hockey 2000, the fund that supports the Houlton Hodgdon Blackhawks.