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NIK GREEN
Gazette Correspondent - THE GAZETTE, Grand Forks, B.C., Wednesday, February 11, 2009

   The Grand Forks Arena was the sight of perhaps one of the friendliest games of hockey ever played last Friday night.  The annual Grand Forks Border Bruins alumni game was a fun but competitive affair with the two teams putting on a display of finesse and class as they helped raise money for the Molly Imrie fund.

   The teams were mixed to provide a balance that led to a tight game.  The players were all smiles as they performed for the 150 plus people in attendance.

   After a booming introduction by announcer John Zibin, the Black Bears drew first blood as Grant Mills put his team on the board just over three minutes into the game.  The White Bears countered seconds later to get the game off to a quick start.  The White Bears would break the tie in short time as Brian Hancock scored nearly six minutes into the game.  An active first period saw the White Bears ahead by the slimmest of margins as they held a 4-3 lead going into the second.

   Both team exchanged goals throughout the early second period while remaining close in shots-on goal, but the White bears would eventually build a comfortable three-goal lead as Kevin Sawyer scored back-to-back goals while Connor Gregory and Cody Minnabariet scored a goal a piece.  Both teams netted a pair of goals each during the third, and the White bears scored with 18 seconds left for a final margin of 10-7.

   A handful of lucky fans took home some unique prizes including an autographed Calgary Flames cap from Mikka Kiprusoff and a puck signed by Erik Cole of the Edmonton Oilers.  The most sought after prize was the jersey signed by Vancouver Canuck Henrik Sedin.

   The event's success was due in large part to Lyssa and Val Wright who helped organize the volunteers and resources needed to pull off the fundraiser.

   "We have had so much support in getting this event off the ground; it has been very special." said Lyssa.

   With help from Marina Pavan, Kevin Sawyer and contributions from the National Hockey League Players Association, the volunteers raised over $2,100.00.