The Soldotna and Homer high school hockey programs are coming together to help the Big Lake Lions Community Rec Center.
The Mariners will host the Stars at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Kevin Bell Arena in Homer, with all proceeds from the gate going to help the Big Lake Lions Community Rec Center pay for damages from the recent earthquake.
This will be the conference game for the two sides that had been scheduled for Tuesday.
The idea started with the Soldotna hockey booster club. Soldotna was supposed to play this weekend in a tournament at the Big Lake Lions Community Rec Center, but the tournament was canceled.
Homer was supposed to play a couple of games in Anchorage this weekend, but those games were in limbo due to the earthquake.
So the two programs got together and decided to play Friday’s game for the Big Lake Lions Community Rec Center. The Kevin Bell Arena has donated the ice time, while the referees also have donated their time.
“Condolences to all people affected by the earthquake,” SoHi hockey coach Indy Walton said. “We had very little damage done down here, but it has very far-reaching consequences in the lives of people we all know up there.”
Both Walton and Homer coach Steve Nevak said this is a chance for the players to learn a good lesson.
“We talked in the locker room and I mentioned hockey is one big family,” Nevak said. “No matter where you go in the world, if you have a hockey bag and a stick you’ll be welcomed in any rink.
“That’s what separates our sport.”
Those fans that cannot make it to the game wishing to donate can do so on gofundme.com by searching for “Big Lake Rec Center.” The center is trying to raise $75,000 for repairs. As of Wednesday night, less than $3,000 had been raised.
