Heather Wright/The Independent

The London Knights OHL exhibition game in Watford is a go.

Word of the possible game in support of the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood arena floor project came to light in March when Jill Joris, Brooke-Alvinston’s fundraising and marketing coordinator, went to Warwick Township council for help to get the fundraiser off the ground.

The Knights offered to host a game in the area to help with the $2 million floor replacement project which is already underway. The municipality received a $1 million grant from the province but has to raise
another million locally.

So far, Clerk/Administrator Janet Denkers says almost $328,000 has been raised. The Knights exhibition game is expected to boost that number significantly.

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 told Warwick Township councillors in March.

Warwick agreed to host the event at the East Lambton Community Centre at that time since the Alvinston arena will still be under construction when the game will be played Aug. 29.

May 14, Denkers told councillors the planning for the event will be significant.

“It’s going to be a lot, but awesome,” she said, relaying she had met with OHL officials that day.

“We’ll probably be seeking help from others, because it’s going to be just overwhelming, but it’s going to be very exciting. We’re pretty excited, the Knights were pretty excited to help us with this project, so it’s going to be good.”

Officials expect the game will draw fans from across the region.