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It’s Off The Leash Luncheon time

Nov 14, 2024 | 7:31 AM

November 14th, 2024 marks a milestone for the “Off The Leash Luncheon”. It’s the 15th annual fundraising event in support of the Huskie men’s hockey team at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park. This year’s guest speaker, Kevin Lowe, follows an impressive list that includes Brett Hull, Brian Burke, Ryan Getzlaf and Chris Chelios.

Luncheon chair, Kohl Bauml, played with the Huskies from 2015 to 2020 and says there is a strong team of former Huskies that play a big role in the success of the event. “The ability to give back is what drives people to want to join the luncheon”, he said. “There are lots of people that are coming out to meetings and lending a helping hand.”

“It’s really about the culture of the Huskies that has been around for years and years and years…long before the luncheon”, he continued. “Just because you’re done wearing the skating dog on Friday and Saturday doesn’t mean you’re done with the team. It’s our job, as younger alumni, to grab the reigns and help with the tradition.”

Funds from the luncheon generate operating funds for the hockey team. “Proceeds from the event go to helping with scholarships, to help with operations, better meals on the road, better hotels, etc.”, Bauml said. “The overarching goal is to provide funding is so that we can continue to put one of the best products in Canada on the ice every single year.”

Former head coach Dave King is the 2024 Award of Recognition recipient for his contributions to the program. King was the head coach of the team for four seasons from 1973 to 1983, leading the Huskies to a University Cup championship in his final year. He was also instrumental in capital campaigns that assisted with the construction of Merlis Belsher Place, which opened in 2018.

The Huskies, 9 and 3 this season, have a bye on the November 15-16 weekend and return to the ice on November 22nd and 23rd in Alberta. Saskatchewan’s next home games are November 29th and 30th when the MacEwan Griffins visit Merlis Belsher Place.

wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

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