| FORT ERIE – Junior and college-level hockey players from both sides of the Niagara River will do battle in a special game next month commemorating 200 years of peace along the world’s longest undefended border.
Called the ‘Battle of the Borders,’ the event, which takes place April 7 at the Fort Erie Leisureplex arena, is being hosted by Fort Erie’s 1812 Bicentennial Committee. “This is sure to be a hard fought game played at a high level of skill,” said Brett Boake, one of the organizers of the event. “The teams will be playing with pride. Eeven though it’s an exhibition game, they are playing for their country.” Boake said the event is designed to engage communities on both sides of the border and make people aware about the many “exciting” events and activities planned for the 1812 bicentennial celebrations. The bicentennial, he said, isn’t only about celebrating the war. It is also about recognizing our roots and showing how far we have come in 200 years. And what better way to do that than a friendly game of international hockey? The puck drops at 7 p.m. |
Tickets, which are available at the door, cost $8 for adults and $5 for children. Kids under 12 who are dressed in Canadian or U.S. apparel will be admitted free of charge.
Also planned are raffles, games, prizes, give-aways and more, organizers say. The Bicentennial Committee is planning many other events for this spring and summer, with their focus on the Grande Parade and Military Tattoo on June 23. Volunteers are still needed to help with this event. Applications for parade floats are still being accepted. If interested in being a part of the parade weekend, contact John Sek at parade@forterie1812.ca. For more information about the Canada vs. U.S. hockey game, or the other 1812 bicentennial events in Fort Erie, visit www.FortErie1812.ca. |
‘Battle of the Borders’ hockey game to mark War of 1812 bicentennial
