Heather Wright/The Independent

There may be an OHL Hockey Night in Watford to benefit the Alvinston arena.

Warwick Township councillors have agreed to join with Brooke-Alvinston hosting an OHL exhibition game between the London Knights and the Erie Otters Aug. 29.

Jill Joris, Brooke-Alvinston’s fundraising and marketing coordinator told Warwick council Monday her municipality was offered the opportunity as a way to raise money for the arena floor. Starting in April, the municipality will be replacing the floor of the arena and the ice-making unit. It has received a $1 million grant from the province, but has to raise another million to complete the project. 

Joris said Brooke-Alvinston needed some help to take advantage of the offer. “We immediately thought of sharing this high level hockey event with our neighbors in Warwick, as our floor will not be completed until October 1,” she told council.

“This event will bring some high level hockey and community pride and regional attention to Warwick.”

The day will include a full exhibition game between the Knights – possibly featuring one of Watford’s favourite sons, Evan Van Gorp – and the Erie Otters. There will also be a meet-and-greet with the players and a family friendly event is being designed “to bring both our residents together and attract visitors to the area,” says Joris.

Brooke-Alvinston asked Warwick to host the event which requires OHL board to approve the arena venue. 

Watford has hosted big gatherings in the past including Silver Stick and a special day honouring Van Gorp last summer. 

Joris says Brooke-Alvinston has already been in touch with a number of community groups in Watford, including the local Optimist, who are willing to help out on the big day. And it would also require room at East Lambton Community Complex for the Meet-and-Greet and a meal for the team.

“I believe this event would showcase your beautiful new facility, boost the local economic activity through visitors, vendors and event traffic, strengthen community spirit by bringing a major sporting event to our rural communities,” Joris said.  

“Our arenas thrive when neighbors support one another. In 2001, we did put our ice in early while your facilities neared completion. This is an opportunity…in supporting the Alvinston arena and continuing our tradition.”

Mayor Todd Case agreed. “This is a good example of what communities can do to work together, to help each other out,” he said.  Council unanimously approved the request.

Brooke-Alvinston Administrator Janet Denkers says $157,000 has already been raised for the project.