Winter Classic hat trick: Third annual Roughrider Foundation charity hockey game set for Feb. 1

Brett Lauther got the idea for the Winter Classic from, well, the Winter Classic!

Years ago, back home in Nova Scotia, Lauther played a key role in launching what proved to be the first of many among-friends hockey games and tournaments.

The Boxing Day Winter Classic, it was called.

That concept came to mind when, one fine day in 2022, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ placekicker suggested an on-ice event of a significantly larger dimension.

And the Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic charity hockey game was born.

The third annual event is set for Feb. 1 at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon. The game, between teams captained by Lauther and former Roughriders receiver Chris Getzlaf, is to begin at 1 p.m.

“It started with just an idea,” Lauther reflected. “We were kind of seeing where it went. Then it snowballed into what it is today.”

The use of “snowballed” is fitting, considering the background of a Winter Classic that became a festive-season fixture in Truro, N.S.

“I always used to be the guy everyone would come to back home when there was a snow day or getting ice or getting the guys together,” said Lauther, a former standout at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.

“When I was in university, every Christmas was the same thing. No one was really as busy with families on Boxing Day and it wasn’t a work day, so we’d get all the guys from back home together and start a hockey game.

“A lot of our friends went to different schools or worked in different places, but everyone came home for Christmas. For me, it was a good idea to get the guys together, go out on the ice and have some fun.

“We did it the first year. Then, going into the second year, I had so many guys reaching out that we had more than enough for two teams, so I turned it into a bit of a tournament and ordered pizzas and stuff like that to make sure the guys who weren’t on the ice were still having a good time.

“I managed that for a few years. It was way smaller in scale, but something the guys would talk about all year. We had a Facebook group made and there were text threads.

“Six months out, guys were joking about the game — the Boxing Day Winter Classic, we called it. That was kind of the originator. When I approached the Roughriders, I kind of talked to them about that idea.”

It was quickly embraced by Cindy Fuchs, executive director of the Roughrider Foundation.

“I’m very thankful that Cindy and others were willing to listen to me,” Lauther said.

“It was a little bit crazy on their behalf at the time, too, to listen to some of the stuff I was talking about, but I think they could kind of see my vision and where this could potentially go.

“I don’t know if any of us thought we would be where it’s at now, but I’m thankful for everyone inside the organization and all the sponsors and fans and everyone who makes it possible.”

The Winter Classic features a four-quarter (not three-period!) hockey game that showcases current and past Roughriders players, former NHLers and hockey-inclined community members.

One roster spot, for example, was put up for bids by the Classic’s presenting sponsor, McDougall Auctioneers Ltd.

This year’s participants with NHL credentials are Mike Sillinger (formerly of the Regina Pats), Joe Kocur (Saskatoon Blades) and Luke Gazdic (now an NHL analyst for Sportsnet).

Roughriders receivers Kian Schaffer-Baker and Ajou Ajou will be the guest coaches. 

The family-focused event will include a Kids Zone and in-game activations.

Proceeds will benefit the Roughrider Foundation’s Win With Wellness presentation series. As part of that initiative, player ambassadors (Lauther included) visit schools throughout the province to promote mental wellness.

“The money raised is going to such a good cause,” Lauther said. “Mental health and wellness is obviously a big factor for a lot of people today, especially after COVID for a lot of kids.

“I also think the Riders are a big thing in Saskatchewan and it might be a little slower in the wintertime. To mix it up with a hockey game and to have a way for fans to not only meet some of our players but some NHL players as well and support a good cause, I think that all goes a long way.”

To purchase tickets, or for more information, click HERE.