Optimist Chiefs set for Women’s Olympic team at the Centrium

In less than three months, Canada’s national women’s hockey team will be in South Korea for the Olympics, but not before they complete a tour through our province to face the teams of the Alberta Midget Hockey League.
 
On Saturday, November 25, the women’s team will be in Red Deer to play the midget AAA Optimist Chiefs at the Enmax Centrium. The game is a regular season matchup for the Chiefs as the women’s team joins the league on a part-time basis every four years — always the year prior to an Olympics.
 
Optimist Chiefs Manager Ken Frame says the fans who come out will not be disappointed.
 
“It’d be nice to get that lower bowl fairly full, that’s my goal,” says Frame, noting about 1000 tickets have been sold aready. “The people that will be there will be entertained — it should be a fun night.”
 
In-game entertainment will include a hip cop crew, chuckwagon races, and plenty of prizes. As well, a grade three class from Blackfalds will be doing sign language during O’ Canada and there will be a ceremonial puck drop. There will also be an autograph session with some Team Canada members before the game.
 
“This is the first time I get to see this,” says Stephen Pattison, who’s in his fourth year behind the bench with the Optimist Chiefs as Assistant Coach. “I’m kind of excited about it.”
 
The Optimist Chiefs currently hold one of the best records in their league having gone 10-2-4 to this point. They are currently on a six game winning streak.
 
In five games versus Alberta Midget Hockey League teams this season, the Canadian women are 2-2-1.
 
Tickets are Saturday’s game are available for $10 with kids five and under getting in for free. They can be purchased at the door or by heading to TicketsAlberta.com. Puck drop on Saturday is at 7 p.m.