‘My plan was to have as many hockey-focused events as possible in January,’ said Mattawa’s Parks and Recreation Supervisor

Inspired by Hockey Night in Canada, Mattawa is launching “Hockey Month in Mattawa,” featuring events throughout January, including appearances from the North Bay Battalion, the Powassan Voodoos, a visit from former NHL player Ted Nolan, and a community game with NHL alumni.

Mattawa’s Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Sheri Wabie, had the idea for “Hockey Month in Mattawa” this fall, and since then she’s been working to bring January to life with more hockey action than you can shoot a puck at.

“My plan was to have as many hockey-focused events as possible in January,” Wabie said, and judging from the list of events, she has accomplished that goal. Besides the many regular games and practices at the arena, Wabie has created some special events for local hockey fanatics.

The action begins on Saturday, January 10, when members of the North Bay Battalion OHL team take the ice for a public skate. Everyone is encouraged to join them on the ice at this free event, and fans can meet the team as well for photos and autographs. The event runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and is free to attend.

On January 17, The Legends Tour NHL Alumni is coming to Mattawa. Ron and Rich Sutter, Brian Srudland, John LeBlanc, Bernie Nicholls and other former NHL players will all be attending. The veteran team will play against a team composed of local Mattawa players, which includes Brody Belanger, Eric Boule, Kaleb Carnavale, Matt Gardiner, Brian Ross and others.

During intermission, The Northern Edge Adult 3 Synchro Team will entertain the crowd. The Legends Game begins at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 for general admission, and there are a few VIP Meet and Greet passes still available for $100, which also includes admission to the game.

The following Wednesday, January 21, former NHL player Ted Nolan will give a talk at the F.J. McElligott Secondary School in Mattawa, at 370 Pine Street. Nolan, who helped blaze a trail for Indigenous players in the NHL, hails from Sault Ste. Marie and was acquired by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1978 draft. Nolan will talk about this life and career, which includes coaching the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders, and the event is free to attend. However, tickets are still required and are available at Mattawa’s Information Centre.

Nolan’s talk begins at 7 p.m.

Rounding out the month is a free skate with the Powassan Voodoos on Saturday, January 24 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. During that time, there will also be a hockey card trading event at the arena. To book a table, call Wabie at 705-744-5611, extension 141. The event is open to all, and free to attend.

Besides the Ted Nolan talk, all events take place at Mattawa’s Mike Rodden Arena, at 450 Hurdman Street, Mattawa.

Tickets for the Legends Tour game are available at the Mattawa Information Centre at 401 Pine Street, the Mike Rodden Arena, or by calling Wabie at the number above.

David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.