Watch out for the 89ers!
Members of Team Getzlaf are determined to clear a hurdle this weekend when they oppose Team Lauther in the third annual Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic charity hockey game.
A team captained by Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther won the first two games in a shootout, edging teams captained by Rob Bagg (2023) and Chris Getzlaf (2024).
Getzlaf played on Team Bagg in 2023 before inheriting the “C” from his former Roughriders receiving cohort in 2024.
Getzlaf, who wore the Roughriders’ No. 89 for 10 seasons, will don his trademark number at Saskatoon’s Merlis Belsher Place on Saturday. Faceoff is set for 1 p.m., on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
Team Getzlaf will be coached by the Roughriders’ current No. 89, receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker.
“I’ve never coached before, so I’m 0-and-0,” said Schaffer-Baker, who noted that he isn’t playing in the game because he has yet to master the fine art of stopping while wearing skates.
“This is a big statement game for myself and the team. We’re ready to go. We’ve been working hard for this one.”
The objective is to tip the delicate balance in favour of Team Getzlaf.
“We made some good off-season changes, we brought in some new recruits, and we’re ready to go,” Coach Schaffer-Baker declared.
“Brett’s in for a rude awakening this year.”
Lauther played a key role in establishing the Winter Classic, which raises money for the Roughrider Foundation’s mental health-oriented Win With Wellness Presentation Series.
“I think it’s a great event and it’s a good way to see some guys who you might not have seen for a while and have fun playing a sport that’s a little different from the gridiron days of being out on the field,” said Getzlaf, a two-time 1,000-yard receiver.
“On top of that, we’re raising money for a great cause and we’re able to be out there in front of some people who are helping make a difference throughout that cause.”
In Year 1, Team Lauther edged Team Bagg 8-7 in a shootout. Roughriders receiver Mitch Picton scored the lone shootout goal.
Last year, Lauther notched the shootout winner as his team won 11-10.
Four goals by Lauther had helped his side assume a 10-6 lead, but the rival squad — including NHL great Ryan Getzlaf (Chris’s brother) — responded with four consecutive goals to force another shootout.
“Anytime you’re talking about competition, I want to win,” said Chris Getzlaf, a member of Grey Cup-winning Saskatchewan teams in 2007 and 2013.
“The fact that the games have been nice and close each year, that’s what you want. The last thing you want is to go into an event like that and just have one team blow the other team out.
“It’s nice when it’s good competition and a game that is entertaining. The fact that they both went into a shootout is just added value for the fans.”
Tickets are $25 for purchasers aged 13 and older. Children 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Adults can add up to two free youth tickets per purchase. (Tickets are available HERE.)
Schaffer-Baker and fellow receiver Ajou Ajou will be the coaches.
The lineups will include former NHL players Mike Sillinger, Joe Kocur and Luke Gazdic.
The game, presented by McDougall Auctioneers, will be followed by an autograph session.
“It’s one of those things that we hope continues to grow each and every year,” Getzlaf said.
“We hope people can get out and support it, see what kind of atmosphere it brings, and enjoy the day with us.”
