Assuming the Coliseum isn't behind picket lines, the Prince George Spruce Kings will be on home ice Saturday for their annual Drop the Gloves and Sock it to 'Em game.
The Kings will be taking on the Chilliwack Chiefs and, when they score their first goal, they will trigger a storm of mitts, socks and tuques -- all thrown onto the ice by the spectators in the seats. Fans are asked to bring these items (wrapped in plastic bags) to the rink so they can be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which will distribute them to those in need.
"We're so happy that the Spruce Kings have stepped forward to help us out again," said Bernie Goold, coordinator at the St. Vincent de Paul Society. "We count on private and corporate donations to help us out through the year but to have another non-profit society do this year after year really helps out."
The community-owned Spruce Kings are also asking fans to bring non-perishable food items and/or monetary donations to Saturday's game, which will start at 7 p.m.
"This is an opportunity for the Spruce Kings to give back to the community through the generosity of our fans and business supporters," said Ron Gallo, the team's communications director. "There is a big need for contributions that will help keep people warm and fed during the colder months of the year in Prince George."
The Kings and Chiefs compete in the B.C. Hockey League.
The possibility exists that Saturday's game could be moved outside of Prince George because of a potential strike by the city's unionized workers. Seventy-two hour strike notice was filed on Monday by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, locals 399 and 1048.
