An annual tradition that began about a decade ago is returning to Warman in early September.
The Saskatoon Blades will be taking on the Prince Albert Raiders in a pre-season match-up on Saturday, September 5 at 7 p.m. at the KH Arena in the Warman Home Centre Communiplex.
The game is presented by the Warman Minor Hockey Association (WMHA). Tickets can be purchased online at warmanwildcats.com.
The first pre-season tilt between the Highway 11 rivals was held in September, 2017 in front of a packed house; and the event has continued to draw large crowds every year since.
The WMHA is also celebrating a milestone this year. Founded in 1966, the association is marking its 60th anniversary. The association came into being when the Warman Diamond Arena, the community’s first indoor rink, was built, largely by volunteer labour.
Six years later, in 1972, the Warman Wildcats captured the Saskatchewan Juvenile hockey championship, the first provincial hockey title in the town’s history.
But that was just the start. Since then, the championship banners lining the rafters has grown exponentially. Among the most memorable are the vintage North Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (Junior B) banners when the Warman Valley Crusaders won championships in 1988 and 2003.
The WMHA is hosting a 60th anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 12. Fittingly, the organization is honouring its roots by holding the event at the old rink now known as the Warman Diamond Rodeo Arena.