Délı̨nę awaits the greatest outdoor hockey game in its history

Délı̨nę is preparing to host one of the highest-profile hockey games ever held in the Northwest Territories, featuring nearly two-dozen NHL alumni.

The so-called “winter classic” being held on Saturday, on a temporary rink created on Great Bear Lake, celebrates the 200th anniversary of explorer Sir John Franklin writing a letter home in late 1825 that described hockey on the ice of that lake.

Délı̨nę has since used that letter to stake its claim as the birthplace of ice hockey.

Al Iafrate, who spent 15 years in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs among others, will be one of the league alumni taking to the ice on Saturday – which, coincidentally, is his 60th birthday.

“It was a no-brainer when I got asked to go play,” he told Cabin Radio this week.

Joey Kocur, a former enforcer for the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers, said it “wasn’t even a question” when he was asked to attend.

“My bucket list included a trip up to Alaska or Northwest Territories,” Kocur said.

“I’m so excited to see the list of players that are coming up there – some former teammates, friends of mine – and just to have a chance to go up there and be at the community and on the ice where, 200 years ago, they claim hockey started.

“It’s exciting and it’s something that a lot of people want to do, and I’m just lucky enough to be one of them doing it.”

Others on the list of attendees published by organizers include Dave Babych, Wayne Babych, Ray Bourque, Guy Carbonneau, Wendel Clark, Shayne Corson, Dave Ellett, Ryan Getzlaf, Doug Gilmour, Trevor Kidd, Eric Lindros, Paul MacLean, Patrick Marleau, Jordan Nolan, Billy Ranford, Cliff Ronning, John Scott and Tiger Williams.

Lanny McDonald and Bryan Trottier will serve as coaches.

Musician Tom Cochrane headlines a gala for the alumni in Yellowknife on Friday before they head to the Sahtu, with the NWT’s Leela Gilday also on the bill.

Délı̨nę will host a community breakfast on Saturday morning before the charter flight carrying the players arrives at 11:30am. The game is scheduled to start at 2pm.

A post-game reception, dinner and opportunity to mingle with the alumni will follow.

Sunday features another breakfast and the start of a community fishing derby before the alumni charter departs. A dinner and closing ceremony will be held at the arena from 6pm that day.

Events have already been taking place in Délı̨nę in the build-up. A minor hockey tournament is scheduled for Friday afternoon and craft sales are expected across the weekend.

North-Wright Airways, which is based in the Sahtu, said on Thursday it is sending two Twin Otters from Norman Wells to Délı̨nę for the game.

“This is a rare chance to be part of a historic moment in the North,” the airline stated.

Seats are $100 per person, departing from Norman Wells at 11:30am and returning at about 8pm. Call the airline to book.

Cabin Radio will be in Délı̨nę throughout the weekend. Watch our website and social channels for photos and video from the events.

Scott Letkeman contributed reporting.