It was a night of storytelling and entertainment in Arcola as PJ Stock and Brian Skrudland spoke of their experiences in the NHL, while the always funny – Trevor Gowan of Big Talk Productions – asked them questions and played off of their responses.
The event was well attended in support of Prairie Place, which not only saw entertainment, but live auctions of numerous sports memorabilia, a 50/50 draw, door prizes, booze cooler raffle, and silent auction.
Auctioned off were both a PJ Stock Boston Bruins jersey and a Brian Skrudland Montreal Canadiens jersey. The live auction also included a Traeger Smoker as well as a choice between six autographed jerseys: Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers; Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins; Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs; Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets; Kevin Pillar, Toronto Blue Jays; or Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays.
The auctioneer for the evening was Kelly Clark with Ritchie Bros.
A puck auction was also held, which focused on a pair of tickets and $400 spending cash to a Winnipeg Jets vs. Anaheim Ducks game on Saturday, March 23.
Stock and Skrudland (who played with the New York Rangers together at one point in their careers) entertained the crowd with a specially penned song by Skrudland to kick off the evening, which was followed by stories of being in the NHL and playing alongside Wayne Gretzky with the Rangers.
“Wayne Gretzky is one of those guys that doesn’t do stupid things; he does so many good things for so many people… His true success is how he is off of the ice,” Stock said.
They reminisced about their time playing professional hockey as well as where they see the game today.
“My first goal, it was 11-5 for Hartford and there was 27 seconds to go, and I made it 11-6,” Skrudland laughs. “But, Mario Tremblay came skating over and jumped in my arms congratulating me on my first goal in the National Hockey League.”
For present day hockey, Stock says he likes to still see the rough aspects of the game, “I miss the animosity… the I’m going to do whatever I can for that guy not to beat me. Win or lose you wanted them to remember the moment they played you. The game needs a little of that in it to keep it special. The cleaner parts of the game are great, but I do miss that more physical aspect.”
The night though was about ensuring Prairie Place Complex is taken care of and Skrudland thanked everyone in attendance, “Thank you for your support tonight, without you this isn’t possible.”
He went on to say that ensuring access to a rink for youth is important, not only to support passions, but to allow them a place to enjoy everything from figure skating to playing hockey to watching senior hockey.
