STONEY CREEK, Ont. – SPORT – With a break in the action at the 11th annual Stoney Creek Sabres Showcase, the Thunder Bay Sportop midget AA Queens were given an opportunity of a lifetime as the club were guests of Walter Gretzky in his home in nearby Brantford Friday evening.
The father of the legendary Wayne Gretzky welcomed all 17 members of the club and the entire coaching staff with open arms.
The Queens savoured the rare opportunity with Mr. Gretzky as he told stories for a full hour as the team listened and laughed as they soaked up the moment.
“The girls have a memory to cherish, which is priceless,” offered Thunder Bay head coach Robert Varrin.
“Mr. Gretzky is a class act all the way,” added Varrin.
“The girls got lots of photos and Walter was happy to get in each one and he gave out lots autographs. We cannot thank him enough for his hospitality and generosity.”
The 3-0-1 Sportop midget AA Queens return to game action Sunday at the Stoney Creek Showcase as they take on the Brantford Ice Cats in quarter-final play at 9:30 a.m.
The winner of that contest moves on to the tournament semifinal at 1:15 p.m. while the championship game is slated for 4:15 in Stoney Creek.
