The wait is finally over!
The Dryden GM Ice Dogs and Superior International Junior Hockey League kick-off a 20th season Friday night and you could not ask for a better match-up.
The Ice Dogs host the Fort Frances Lakers in the season opener.
Flashback to 2002 when Dryden defeated the Fort Frances Borderland Thunder to claim the first ever Bill Salonen Cup.
Skipping to 2021, President Mike Sveinson is confident his team is in a good position to win a fifth championship.
However, Sveinson is focusing on today and finally returning to the ice after last year’s COVID disruption.
“You know what. We’ve had a lot of big games over the years, but I think I am more excited about this one than any that I have ever been involved in and that includes the Dudley and that includes playoffs. It’s been so much effort to try and keep it moving between March of 2020 when we shut it down and last year the shortened season and this year it looks like we have some off-ramp to an actual season.”
Sveinson believes everyone is buzzing right now.
“I think there’s a big buy-in from the community and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to put on our first big event in Dryden since March of 2020.”
He notes, “We want to show people that we can safely gather again as a community. It’s been too long and it’s time. We got the team to do it and we have the volunteer staff that’s put in the time and effort. I’m hopeful to see a great crowd on Friday night.”
Game time is 7:30 and doors open at 6:30.
Capacity is limited to about 500 spectators.
