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Class ActBY ROBERT HEATH This past Wednesday evening I had the good fortune (and press passes) to go to Estevan to watch the "Legends of Hockey" take on the Estevan "Old Timers" Allstar hockey club. First of all I don't think it is appropriate to call these guys "oldtimers" because I know quite a few of those Estevan players and by no means are we (I mean them) old! I took my sidekick (we'll call him John) just in case I "threw a hip" or something. It's wise to have your chiropractor with you at all times when you hit your mid-30's! The Rotary Club of Estevan was sponsoring this "allstar" performance which feature the great ones Guy Lafleur, Weyburn's Dave "Tiger" Williams, Richard Sevigny, Jimmy Mann, Andre Dupont, Marcel Dionne, Ron Hogarth, Gaston Gingras, Doug Hicks and Larry Melnyk. After watching the warm up of the Legends team I was so impressed with the fact that speed really is not required in this game. Stick handling, passing and knowing your linemates will pay their position is all that's needed. Talking with Rod Engerheim during intermission, he told me that all the Estevan hockey team was doing was chasing the puck all night. Sure you could have laid a couple of guys out, but the puck was gone once you got close to the pros. The netminders for Estevan where Bruins Coach Nick Sereggela and Ambrose (Ambie) Hengen. These were two guys I could relate with as I had the fortune to play against the Legends team a few years back. Did I happen to tell you "I stoned Guy Lafleur"? Well now Ambie and Nick can say the same thing as both goalies stood their ground against these hockey legends and did an outstanding job. Nick and Ambie might have the back of their necks sunburnt from the red light going on so many times but that's because his teammates like Rick Rohatyn, Kim Hilkewich, Randy Senchuk and Barry Bridges watched from the red line as "Guy" or "Tiger" would go down and "pop" in a goal or two. Another factor in this game was a one-sided goal judge who was "pro-legends" and I promised Dr. Rob Kitchen that I wouldn't use his name even though he would leave the red light on for too long after Ambie or Nick got "lit-up"! Oh well — so much for honour amongst doctors and editors. Rob went on to tell us how his hand hurt after turning on that switch too many times. I offered to put his hand back into place but for some strange reason he declined. These legends of the NHL might be a few steps slower but there is one thing that these pro-players have not lost and that's their class! Children who know these players only through their parents were treated like an old friend or family. These players took the time to talk to everyone even if it was just to say hello or thanks for coming out tonight. I've harped about the new snobbish players in past articles and maybe these "rich boys" of the new NHL should watch some games tapes of Tiger, Guy and company to see how a real "Pro" handles themselves. Hats off to the Rotary Club of Estevan for putting on a "First Class" production by having the Junior High School Jazz Band and all of the great young figure skaters who delighted the crowd during intermissions and pre-game. A tip of the hat to all of those people who helped volunteer their time ensuring that this event ran smoothly. I wonder when Gretzky will start to tour with the legends? I'm certain I know a few goalies who would love to shut down the "Great One"! |
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