Fur, feathers and fins were flying in South Surrey last week, as beloved mascots faced off for a (mostly) friendly hockey game last week.
The Aug. 31 event marked the conclusion of the Summer Skate event at The Shops at Morgan Crossing, where an artificial ice rink was constructed at the 15765 Croydon Dr. outdoor mall for free skating the last two weeks of August.
Duking it out in the mascot hockey game were Fin of the Vancouver Canucks – who was the leading scorer over two 10-minute periods of play – and new-found rival the Root Bear from A&W, who didn’t miss an opportunity to throw his bottom-heavy body into his opponents.
Surrey Eagles’ mascot Winger was also a force to be reckoned with on ice, putting a few in the back of the net, as was Buck the Chicken from White Spot. RBC’s Leo the Lion, Scotiabank’s Hamlet and Scoop from Peace Arch News rounded out the four-on-four mascot action.
The crowds that gathered to take in the action were treated to a familiar voice, as Vancouver Canucks announcer John Ashbridge provided play-by-play services. Global BC’s Leah Holiove was also on hand, refereeing the game.
Several members of the Surrey Eagles watched from the sidelines – with a few even suiting up as mascots – after the team’s official 2011/2012 roster was announced earlier in the day.
Since kicking off Aug. 15, the Summer Skate at Morgan Crossing has ran daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering skate rentals, sharpening, hot dogs and snacks by donation. Proceeds raised support the Centre for Child Development, which helps children throughout the Fraser Valley with complex and severe developmental disabilities.