Grinders set game with Flames alumni

The Spokane Grinders will host the third annual Calgary Flames Alumni Benefit Cup on Saturday at the Eagles Ice-A-Rena.

The game, which starts at 5 p.m., is a charity fund-raiser for the Mark Rypien Foundation and will feature many former Flames who play benefit games throughout North America. There will also be a Flames alumni banquet, open to the public, immediately following the game.

The Flames’ lineup includes players with Spokane and Western Hockey League ties. Philadelphia Flyers veteran Lindsay Carson, an alum of the WHL who retired from hockey to Spokane, will skate along with Joel Otto, Dana Murzyn, Perry Berezen, Ron and Rich Sutter, and Colin Patterson.

The Grinders are a Senior ‘A’ Team made up of former college, senior and professional players, including former Los Angeles Kings and Spokane Chiefs player Justin Hocking. The Grinders operate under the Spokane Old Timers Hockey Association.

Game tickets are available at Eagles Ice-A-Rena, by calling 363-9100, at all TicketsWest outlets by calling 325-SEAT (7328), or online at www.ticketswest.com. General admission tickets are $10. Children 4 and younger are free. Tickets for the banquet are $30 and are available at 994-6902.