Sask. Roughriders, NHL alumni face off in Saskatoon for a good cause

Green is the colour, but football was not the game on Saturday.

Current and former Saskatchewan Roughriders hit the ice at Merlis Belsher Place for the third annual Roughrider Foundation’s Winter Classic Charity Hockey Game. The event aims to raise money for the ‘Win with Wellness’ program where Roughriders visit schools across the province to speak on mental health.

Instead of three 20-minute periods, the game was played in football style with four 15-minute quarters.

Former Roughrider Chris Getzlaf and Saskatchewan’s kicker Brett Lauther were the team captains this year.

“Team Getzlaf” was coached by the Roughriders’ Kian Schaffer-Baker, while “Team Lauther” was coached by Ajou Ajou, a former Roughrider who recently signed with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

Three former NHL players joined the Roughriders on the ice, including Luke Gazdic, Joe Kocur, and Mike Sillinger.

Luke Gazdic played for both the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils during his four-year NHL career.

Saskatchewan-born Joe Kocur helped win three Stanley Cups during his 15 seasons in the NHL. He has played for the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and the Vancouver Canucks.

Saskatchewan-born Mike Sillinger played for 12 teams during his 17 seasons with the NHL.

The game ended with Team Getzlaf beating out Team Lauther 9 – 6.