Lights … camera … AUCTION! Roster spot available for Foundation Winter Classic
Every hockey team needs a player who is willing to pay the price.
That could be YOU!
An exclusive roster spot in the second annual Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic charity hockey game — slated for Feb. 3, 12:30 p.m., at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon — will soon be awarded to the highest bidder.
McDougall Auctioneers Ltd., a partner of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, is accepting bids until Thurs., Jan. 18, at 8 p.m.
“Between the Foundation and the Club, we’re thinking of the fan first and thinking about how we can incorporate fans into our events,” says Jacqueline Hurlbert, the CFL team’s Director, Marketing and Fan Engagement.
“We’re thinking of how we can create accessibility for our fans, making sure that we’re always thinking about inclusion for them.
“Looking at the Winter Classic, it’s that perfect experience. Tickets are only $25, kids are admitted free, and there’s a 12:30 puck drop.
“It’s just about people coming out and watching our players do something that is not normal for them — getting on skates.
“It’s also about a collaboration between football and hockey, which are two of the things that Saskatchewan loves the most.”
The brainchild of Roughriders kicker and Foundation player ambassador Brett Lauther, the Winter Classic was held for the first time in 2023.
As was the case for the inaugural event, the 2024 Classic will feature current and former Roughriders players, ex-NHLers (such as Ryan Getzlaf!) and representatives from several of the Club’s corporate partners.
The new twist: The auctioned-off roster spot.
As of Thursday afternoon, there was a total of 57 bids, with the highest amount being $1,405.
“McDougall Auctioneers is a great partner to have, because we can utilize their platform to have a fun initiative where someone is going to win not only a spot on the roster, but also attendance to our VIP events and hotel accommodations,” Hurlbert says.
“And all the proceeds from both the auction and ticket sales to the game go back directly to the Foundation.”
The winner of the auction will play on Team Lauther. The other squad will be captained by former Roughriders receiver Chris Getzlaf.
“In terms of the safety and the peace of game, it is part of the requirements that people are able to play some form of hockey,” Hurlbert says. “We ask for that general ability from the junior or minor hockey level — some degree of skill set.”
The up-for-grabs roster spot is part of a partnership between the Roughriders and McDougall Auctioneers.
“Our Foundation is thrilled to partner with McDougall Auctions in an agreement that will give Rider Nation a chance to bid on items and unique experiences that money typically can’t buy,” says Jonathan Halvorson, the Foundation’s Development Manager.
“The proceeds from these one-of-a-kind auction items and experiences will be supporting our Foundation’s mental wellness and education programs that support kids across the province.”
Since its establishment in 2019, the Roughrider Foundation has worked closely with youth-related initiatives throughout Saskatchewan — the three pillars being education, health and amateur football.
