The Living Sky Casino Hall of Fame Game was a hit last night at the Innovation Credit Union iPlex.

The game saw Montreal Canadiens alumni face off against a team of First Responders from Swift Current. The team featured the Swift Current Fire Department, RCMP, and EMS alongside Swift Current native and former National player Bobbi Jo Slusar, as well as former Broncos Sheldon Kennedy, Todd Holt and Joel Rogers.

Once again the Innovation Credit Union iPlex hosted an event which provided entertainment for fans of all ages. From those just learning their first words, to those who grew up watching the Montreal Canadiens alumni during their careers, the night created lasting memories.

One member of the community in particular certainly had one of the nights of his life. Chuck Audette, who was sponsored by W.W. Smith to suit up alongside alumni from his favorite team, shares his thoughts after the clock ran out on his once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"I just never wanted it to end. Getting down to the last five minutes of the third period, I thought 'I don't want this to end. I wish I could sit here forever and play alongside these guys'. It was such a thrill - the guys are so hospitable and friendly. It was just a treat to be here," he said.

Another member of the communtiy donning the iconic red, white, and blue of the Canadiens was Jerrod Schafer, a member of the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame's Board of Directors, and former City of Swift Current Mayor.

Schafer was heavily involved in bringing the event to Swift Current, through partnerships with the Living Sky Casino, Canadian Tire, and Whitecap Resources.

"It's just nice to see so many fans out. Most of all, you want everyone to have a great time. They all paid money for tickets and are here to support a great event for a great cause.

More than anything, we just want folks to have a good time. It's nice to see dads with kids, or older guys acting like kids - that's the most important thing," he said.

As for recognizing the importance of the support for the charitable side of the game, Montreal Canadiens alumni Keith Acton explains what these games mean to him.

"It's a real privilege to be a part of this. First and foremost, to play in these games and help raise some money for some real worthy causes, and secondly, to play for the Montreal Canadiens alumni is really special for me. It was the proudest sweater that I've probably ever worn, and I'm proud to be wearing it again," he said.

Acton, who played four seasons in the early '80s with the Habs, suited up for six different NHL teams over a 15-year career in the league.

Money from the event which Acton mentions, will be distributed to multiple programs and organizations in the community. As well, a final total of charitable proceeds from the event will be provided once updates are given.

The Safe Places Youth Certified program will be one of the programs benefitting from the game, as approximately 10% of the proceeds will be going to the initiative. Safe Places, introduced by Jerrod Schafer and Sheldon Kennedy, reduces risk to children and youth through a certification process for adults involved in programming in the community.

The alumni game supporting Safe Places was an important gesture not lost on Kennedy, but as he mentions, the game was about supporting many groups in the comnunity.

"I've got a soft spot for the first responders. I see the difficult work they do every day, and I'm here to support them. I'm also here to support the initiative of Safe Places, which I think Swift Current has been a leader on across the country. Of course, I'm here to have a little bit of fun as well," he said.

The Montreal Canadiens topped the First Responders team 10-7 in a game that saw no real focus on the score, as both sides came away with smiles from the memorable night.