Sports fans came out in droves to support their local junior "A" hockey team at the ninth annual Weyburn Red Wings Sports Dinner and Auction, held at McKenna Hall on January 22. The event, which featured three sports greats, raised approximately $40,000 for the team.
Sports icons Saskatchewan Roughriders? quarterback Darian Durant, NHL legend Yvan Cournoyer and Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Botterill spoke to the sold-out crowd about their achievements. They talked to Weyburn This Week prior to their stints on stage.
Durant said that he has had the opportunity to speak with the Riders new head coach Greg Marshall and spoke about what departing coach Ken Miller meant to him.
"He's really the reason I'm here today," said Durant. "He gave me my first opportunity to go out there and play and he's stood by me every step of the way. He's pretty much meant everything to my career."
Durant has been with the Riders for five years, including 2007 when they claimed the Grey Cup. He led the team to the Grey Cup in 2009 and 2010 and spoke about the Riders two consecutive losses to the Montreal Alouettes.
"I felt like we could have done more in this past (Grey Cup). I feel like we kind of let the team down, offensively."
As for his advice to Weyburn's sports stars, the Red Wings, Durant said, "Good things happen to hard workers so continue to work hard."
Botterill spoke about the pursuit of excellence, which she lives her life by. She plays forward for the Canadian National Women's Hockey Team and has won three Olympic Gold Medals (2002, 2006 and 2010) with the team.
"I've been very fortunate to have had some pretty special experiences," said Botterill. "So I'm taking this opportunity to share my story and what I've learned from my experiences."
She spoke about her experiences winning gold for Canada, "The best part by far was the chance to share that moment with Canadians. From coast to coast - from every small town to big city - people did share in that moment with us."
Botterill had some advice for the local hockey team, "One of the most important things is to enjoy the process. Remember to keep loving the game."
She also wanted to tell the players to maintain their belief and confidence in themselves and each other.
Last but not least, Cournoyer talked about the attitude it took to win 10 Stanley Cups (1965, '66, '68, '69, '71, '73, '76, '77, '78, and '79) as a player with the Montreal Canadiens.
"The more you win, the more you're going to want to win and the more you're going to hate to lose," said Cournoyer.
He said that players who respect their opponents will be better players, "The more you respect the other team, the more afraid you are to lose."
Cournoyer said he carried this wisdom throughout his life, even in his business dealings.
As for the NHL legend's advice to the Wings, he said, "Do your best and try to win. You can't win every time. Sometimes you have to accept defeat, too."
Hundreds of autographed sports memorabilia were auctioned off during the evening, including jerseys signed by the three special guests. The highlight of the auction, however, was a one-of-a-kind framed and autographed Don Cherry suit.
"The committee worked hard to get the suit. They had to pull some strings," said Red Wings President Ryan Williams. "There were very few made but we've had people requesting it for a long time and we finally got our hands on it."
The suit fetched $11,500 from the highest bidder - Great Plains Ford.
Owner of Great Plains Ford, Jeff Tosczak, said that they plan to hang the suit in a back building at Ford where they keep many items purchased at local charity auctions.
"Anyone who wants to come see it we'll give them a tour of the back building," said Tosczak.
Williams said the community helped the team bring together some of the best auction items they have had in years.
The next fundraiser for the team will be this evening at "Pack the Shack Night," where special addition replica 1961 Red Wings jerseys will be auctioned off during the first and second intermissions. NHL great Lanny McDonald will also be in attendance at the game.
