Oct 01, 2023 | Applekings | 448 views
River Rats Hockey Legends Return to Thornbury
It was a night filled with nostalgia, cheers, and a whole lot of hockey fun as the River Rats skated back into the spotlight for a thrilling game against the Applekings that had fans of all ages on their feet.
Thornbury, ON - It was a night filled with nostalgia, cheers, and a whole lot of hockey fun as the River Rats skated back into the spotlight for a thrilling game against the Applekings that had fans of all ages on their feet. The Beaver Valley Community Centre played host to an unforgettable event that saw former River Rats players lace up their skates once more, rekindling the memories of days gone by. With 27 skaters, 2 goalies, and a packed house, this event was a true blast from the past.
The game, organized to introduce the Applekings to their eager fans, turned out to be more than just a trip down memory lane; it was to showcase the enduring love for hockey in Thornbury. The crowd couldn't get enough of the game, and their excitement filled the arena from start to finish.
Fans of the River Rats came out in full force, with more than 500 turning up to support their beloved team and catch a glimpse of their favorite players. The energy in the arena was electric, with kids and adults alike reveling in the experience of watching some of Thornbury's finest take to the ice once again.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to announcer Keith Hargraeve, who kept the crowd engaged and informed throughout the game. The skilled refereeing duo of Scott Morrisson and Glenn Falls ensured fair play and a smooth game, while the dedicated volunteers behind the scenes made the entire event possible. Without their hard work and commitment, this memorable night wouldn't have been possible.
The River Rats team, consisting of players from various eras, gave their all on the ice. Players such as Adam Millington, AJ Ratcliffe, Brad Long, Brett Levitt, Bryan Swanson, Dan Westbrooke, Darryl Hutchinson, Dave Potter, Derek Hammond, DJ Selkirk, Dwayne Harvey, Evan Vanplew, Grant Murray, Greg Rice, Herb Lemon, Jamie Crooke, Jeff Lougheed, Jimmy Somnez, Josh Almond, Matt Lemon, Mike Styles, Paul Parrish, Ryan Gilchrist, Scott Haines, Scott Nichol, Scott Pendleton, Shawn Adams, Terry Muxlow and Tom McIntyre, who contributed to the team's legacy, returned to Thornbury for this special occasion. Their participation was a testament to the enduring camaraderie and passion that hockey fosters.
The event wasn't just about the game; it was a chance for these former players to reconnect and reminisce about their glory days. Laughter and stories flowed as they caught up with old friends and shared their memories of the sport they love.
Thank you to all of these guys for making an appearance for the game to help introduce the Applekings to your fans! We truly appreciate you guys coming out to play after all of these years and hope you guys had a great time reminiscing about the old days!
The overwhelming support of the fans was not lost on the Applekings Staff and Players, who extended their thanks, "Thank you to all of the amazing fans that came out to support our new endeavor, we hope that all 500+ of you come back out for our home opener on October 14th at 5:30 PM!"
As the final buzzer sounded, and the players exchanged handshakes and smiles, it was clear that this special night had brought the community together in the name of hockey. Thornbury's hockey spirit burned brighter than ever, and the River Rats had proven that their legacy lives on.
With the promise of more thrilling hockey to come, the anticipation for the Applekings' home opener on October 14th is already building. Hockey fans in Thornbury are in for an exciting season, and the memories from this unforgettable night will undoubtedly linger for years to come.