Support Fort St. John Huskies in NWJHL finals at watch parties

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The Fort St. John Huskies and La Crete Lumber Barons will decide the NWJHL title this weekend (Street Legal Photography, Facebook)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — For Fort St. John Huskies fans unable to make the trip to La Crete this weekend, local gathering places have provided an alternative.

Watch parties following the Huskies for game six in the Strike Group North West Junior Hockey League (NWJHL) finals on Saturday, March 29th have been announced.

The Huskies currently lead the best-of-seven series over the Lumber Barons three games to two.

The Fort St. John Curling Club, in collaboration with the Huskies, will be hosting one of the viewing parties.

With a giant space usually reserved for curling, the Huskies will set up chairs on what would be the ice surface.

Curling club general manager Deanna Coates says local business SoundInTown will be bringing big screens and audio equipment, providing a lively atmosphere.

“This is the first time we’ve done it,” said Coates. “I am absolutely [excited] to see the team succeed.”

Coates says the banquet room upstairs and bar will be serving alcohol, but none is permitted on the lower level. Food will also be available at Eateteria located in the club.

“This is a great event for the family,” said Coates.

Entry is by cash donation, with the proceeds going toward the Huskies. Coates estimates between 500 and 800 people could attend. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

For hockey fans looking for an adult crowd, the Lido Theatre at 10156 100th Avenue will also be hosting a watch party for fans aged 19 and older.

With the theatre not offering food, outside food is permitted.

Entry for this event will be $10 if purchased online, or $15 at the door. A Facebook post urges fans to come and show “your civic pride” by supporting the team. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

The theatre has hosted watch parties for events such as the World Junior Hockey Championships and the Four Nations Cup hockey tournament, says Lido’s facility manager Ashley Prestley.

“[That’s] one of the bonuses of having such a tight knit community,” said Prestley. “[If] anything’s local the town bounds around and does a big hurrah,”

If there is a game seven, it will take place on Sunday, March 30th. Both venues will show the game, with doors for both opening before the game’s scheduled time of 12:30 p.m.

Club head coach Todd Alexander said it’s “pretty cool” to have the support around the town, adding it helps fuel his players to win.
He added as many as 100 residents from town may make the nearly six-hour trip to La Crete.

“The boys feel the support,” said Alexander. “We’ll do our best to get this wagon across the line.”

For more on the NWJHL finals, visit the league’s website.

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