Skip to content

Lakers hand deliver NexSource grand opening invite to Ron MacLean

Young athletes looking forward to NexSource Centre completion
4366sylvanlakeIMG_0006
HAND DELIVERED - The Peewee ‘A’ Lakers hand delivered an invitation to Ron MacLean on Sunday afternoon in Cochrane for the grand opening of the NexSource Centre. Players: Aaron Knudsen

A group of young Laker athletes journeyed to Cochrane on Sunday afternoon where they had the chance to hand deliver a NexSource Centre grand opening invitation to Canadian sportscaster icon Ron MacLean.

MacLean, who was in Cochrane for an edition of Rogers Hometown Hockey, met with the peewee ‘A’ Lakers to receive the invitation which he graciously accepted pending the NHL’s playoff schedule. The grand opening of the NexSource Centre is planned for May.

In addition to delivering the invitation the Lakers also presented MacLean with an in depth history of the former Sylvan Lake arena which was compiled by Sylvan Lake Minor Hockey’s Ice Manager and Town Councillor, Graham Parsons.

Peewee Laker’s manager, Georgina Welsh, explained the group of young men were beyond ecstatic to have the chance to meet MacLean.

“The players were all so respectful to the Sportsnet and Hometown Hockey staff, they gave their full attention to Mr. McLean while he was speaking, asking him questions,” explained Welsh. “We were very proud of how they handled themselves.”

MacLean spoke to the Lakers on his experience in Sylvan Lake for Kraft Hockeyville and members of the community who he was acquainted with including Councillor Parsons.

Meeting MacLean wasn’t the only highlight of the day for the young athletes who conquered the ice against Cochrane earlier in the day. The 3-0 win allowed the Lakers to secure the first place position in the Tier II North Division. Welsh explained the team of talented young athletes have had not only a strong season but a healthy career together throughout their minor hockey journey. The team has frequented the provincial ice and consistently ranks high in their division.

“Not everyone has the chance to do what this team has and they are all extremely grateful for where minor hockey has taken them,” said Welsh.

She added the Lakers are looking forward to the opening of the NexSource Centre and to have an arena to call home for the next few seasons of their career.

“It’s going to have an instrumental impact on their lives as athletes,” explained Welsh. “Not only for the ability to have our home games in our home town again, but also the potential for dryland practice. It’s going to be an incredible facility and we’re really looking forward to having the facility to help our team grow.”

The NexSource Centre is scheduled for completion at the end of February. Once construction of the facility is complete, Town staff will allow themselves a few weeks to groom the facility, complete training processes and prepare for the facility for community usage. The special grand opening event will take place in May with more details on the event to be released in the coming months. The Town hopes to provide weekly updates on the NexSource Centre progress via their Facebook page and website.

For more information on the NexSource Centre visit www.sylvanlake.ca.

jenna.swan.@sylvanlakenews.com