Whitecourt, AB – The Whitecourt Wolverines (22-8-4) lost a tight-checking 1-0 affair to the Spruce Grove Saints (24-7-3) on Saturday night.
Another classic North Division showdown between the Wolverines and Saints would once again come down to the final few minutes but in the end, Brett Trentham’s third-period goal would stand as the games only marker. During the game, the night belonged to the goalies as both Xavier Potvin and Hayden Missler traded saves throughout the course of the game. The night itself, however, belonged to Ryder and Radek.
The game was played in honour and dedication to the late sons of Tracy Stark and Brent Stark. The day began with several members of our community coming to the arena to paint messages on the ice surface of love and support to Brent and Tracy. Those messages were sealed into the ice and stayed throughout course of the game. Prior to the game, Wolverine’s anthem singer, Abigail Benninger, lead a candlelight vigil with a rendition of Carly Pearce’s song “Every Little Thing”, a favorite of Tracy’s. The vigil was followed by a tribute video for Ryder and Radek that featured a song titled “Love You To The Moon” composed and performed by Whitecourt’s own Michaela Clarke, now a recording artist in Nashville Tennessee, a song she wrote specifically for Tracy and Brent. The video, which was filmed and edited by Wolverine’s videographer Ryan Steinke, had several of Ryder and Radek’s closest friends giving messages of support and love intertwined with photos of the boys from some of their happiest moments. The pre-game ceremonies concluded with a ceremonial puck drop by Brent’s daughters Shelbey and Alesha.
During the first intermission, Amanda Wilson performed a beautiful figure skate routine in the boy’s honor while the second intermission featured a very entertaining elimination shootout with Kent Wilson, Ryan Oliver, Logan Carlson, Kayden Deitz, Connor Smith, Kyle Prokipchuk, Zak Caines and Chase Wheeler, some of Ryder and Radek’s closest friends.
The game also saw the Wolverines unveil a brand new third jersey with the R&R symbol incorporated into the team’s logo. All proceeds from the Home Hardware Wolverine’s store at the arena were donated to the Ryder and Radek Foundation, a charity that gives less fortunate kids the opportunity to play minor hockey. In total, 1003 patrons, a season-high, united at the Scott Safety Centre to show their love and support to Brent and Tracy.