FORT FRANCES – In recognition of an outstanding Fort Frances community leader, the town’s Superior International Junior Hockey League team will charge no admission fee Tuesday night.
The free night of hockey is being presented Nov. 5 as A Night Out on Duane, in honour of the late Duane Cridland and sponsored by the Cridland Family Foundation.
Cridland, who passed away in January at age 64, supported hockey, a skateboard park, an annual bass tournament, the Border Skating Club and numerous community events in the border town.
Last November he shared the Fort Frances Citizen of the Year award with wife Grace.
“Duane’s Lager” will be available for sale at the Lakers beer garden, and donations will be accepted with proceeds going to the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association and the Fort Frances Gymnastics Club.
“I think everyone in Fort Frances was connected with Duane in everything that he was involved in,” Lakers general manager Luke Judson said Wednesday.
Cridland offered to help the Lakers “with everything” in late 2023 when a new coaching staff was starting its work, Judson added.
One of Duane and Grace’s daughters is on the Lakers’ board of directors.
Other special nights are on the SIJHL team’s calendar for November.
At the Nov. 8 home game, the beer garden will be pouring a special Lakers beer during Hallett Brewing Night.
Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services will have an information booth on the concourse of Memorial Sports Centre for their Stepping Out for Foot Health initiative on Nov. 15. Fans are encouraged to visit their booth to learn more and donate to their programing that includes diabetes services.
On Nov. 16, the Lakers and the Out of the Cold Fort Frances Homelessness Committee will recognize National Housing Day and wrap up the No Place Like a Home awareness campaign. Donations of winter accessories such as hats and mitts are appreciated.
