The Moose Jaw Warriors are hosting an inaugural “Horseshoe Tournament” to help raise money for its education fund so its players can pursue post-secondary education.
The Western Hockey League team plans to hold this event on Friday, Oct. 1 before its home opener at Mosaic Place. The initiative — featuring horseshoes, a band, alcohol, and food — will be held on a vacant lot at 69 River Street West across from the rink from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Crushed Can Sports Bar and Nightclub will provide the food and beverage servers to assist, while the business will also set the price for the alcohol.
The owner of the parking lot has given the Warriors permission to host the event there, while the event organizers already have insurance coverage in place.
The tournament begins with lunch and registration, followed by horseshoe games throughout the afternoon until the championship round brings the tournament to a close around 4 p.m.
Event organizers expect to draw 75 attendees to the gathering.
During the Sept. 13 regular council meeting, city council unanimously approved the Moose Jaw Warriors’ special occasion permit application to host the fundraising event. This approval, though, is subject to the Warriors complying with the conditions and regulations outlined in the City of Moose Jaw alcohol use events policy.
“This is an exciting event in conjunction with the Warriors’ home opener, which we’ve been waiting for for a long time,” city manager Jim Puffalt said.
Coun. Heather Eby agreed, saying hockey fans are looking forward to the team having an “awesome season” and great things happening during the 2021-22 year. She also thought this social gathering was a great kickoff event.
The Warriors plan to set up the horseshoe pits and seating area a few days before the event occurs, while the portable beverage bar and washrooms will be delivered the morning of the event, Hayley Hart-Rushinko, manager of special events for the team, explained in a letter to council.
The WHL team has hired a security guard to watch the entrance — he will remain for the full five hours — as an extra safety measure to protect attendees and the public, she continued. The event is open to the public to view the tournament, but anyone who wants to purchase alcohol must provide ID first. A six-foot chain-link fence will surround the area and no alcohol will be allowed to leave the premises.
As per municipal policy, the Warriors have $5 million in general liability insurance that covers each element of the event.
“We’re excited to welcome our team back to Mosaic Place and have our fans come together to celebrate the greatest game in the country,” added Hart-Rushinko.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Sept. 27.
