Alumni and friends hockey game

Photo of Alumni and Friends hockey game participants

The second annual Alumni and Friends hockey game was another rousing success on the Saturday afternoon of Homecoming Weekend that attracted the attention of Canada’s most famous hockey dad, and Nipissing University Honorary Degree recipient, Walter Gretzky.All the participants enjoyed the opportunity to skate and have some fun, playing with Lakers coaching staff as well as a few Lakers players.
“We all had a great time. I’m happy to see that this event was successful again this year and I think it can continue to grow,” said Lakers head coach and game organizer, Mike McParland. “Neil Luxton, who played goal for the green team played outstanding and Vern Vailancourt played very solid. It was really nice to see Mike Vezina, who played on the Lakers team in our first year and has since graduated, join us in this game. He’s just taken a position with the OPP in Pickeral Lake.”
The senior Gretzky was in North Bay as part of the NHL Alumni game and was more than happy to pose for a photo with the Nipissing group.

My Nipissing