October 2, 2019
The days are getting shorter, the temperature is getting colder and the white stuff is just around the corner. This can only mean one thing (well, ok, two things): it's hockey season - and the Portage College Voyageurs are eager to hit the ice!
After kicking off their 12th ACAC season on the road against Concordia, the Voyageurs will welcome the Thunder to the Bold Center for a rematch on Saturday October 12 at 7 p.m. Prior to puck drop, the team is inviting fans to come down to the Bold Center for a Kick Off to Face Off BBQ. From 5 to 7 p.m., hungry spectators - perhaps needing a break from Thanksgiving turkey - can enjoy some delicious all-beef burgers off the grill.
The BBQ and the game are free, courtesy of Britton's Your Independent Grocer. In fact, admission to all Voyageur home games will once again be free this year thanks to the generosity of the Lac La Biche grocery store.
"Bill, Kalan and the group at Independent have been great supporters of Portage College and the Voyageurs for years," said Portage College Athletic Director and Voyageur Head Coach Nate Bedford. "We really appreciate their ongoing commitment to the College and hope that fans will take advantage of their generosity to come out and support the Voyageurs."
In addition to the free BBQ, fans will also be able to grab an autograph prior to the game from Stanley Cup Champion and Voyageur Associate Coach Kevin McClelland. The former Oiler will host a meet and greet from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Pre-game ceremonies will begin just before 7 p.m., with puck drop likely around 7:10 p.m. Bedford noted that his players are excited about the game and the upcoming season and are looking forward to seeing lots of fans in the stands.
"Home openers are always special and the players are always a little extra pumped to step on the ice in front of the home crowd," he said. "I know from experience that the Bold Center can be an intimidating place to play when the stands are full. We're looking forward to the game and the 2019-2020 season and we hope our fans will come out to watch some high-level hockey and, most importantly, make lots of noise!"
Media Inquiries:
Jaime Davies, Corporate Communications Manager
780-623-5581 or email
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.