First Annual Winter Classic at Generations Park a Success

January 9th, 2018 - On a cold winter night, a group of proud family and friends came to Generations Park at 7:00 pm to watch the Akwesasne Wolves vs. North Franklin Squirts at the First Annual Winter Classic game. The event was organized by Ricky Oakes (Slic Electric), with friends Elliott Lazore and Justin Durant. The idea to hold a hockey game at Solomon Arena came about last year. Ricky Oakes pitched the idea of an outdoor hockey game to the Akwesasne Wolves and coming to fruition this year with the help of the current coach, Elliott Lazore.

It didn't take long for them to make the arrangements for the game to take place. The real inspiration for this game to take place was Oakes daughter, Macey Squire, who plays for the North Franklin Squirts. Oakes wished to make the team's season as special as possible, and thus helped set up the game at the Rink.

"I installed the lights two years ago under my company named Slic Electric. So Generations Park has sentimental values to me and others" Oakes said after the game was done.

Oakes had also expressed interest in continuing to use the ice rink with scoreboards installed and speakers sometime next year.

With this year, the game was met with cold but eager family and friends watching and cheering for the young teams. That ultimately ended in a tie of 6 - 6, which was determined in a tie out, giving each team member a chance to score. In the end the Akwesasne Wolves won with a final 11-7. But this game marked a new beginning for Generations Park, as Oakes hopes for another game at the ice rink and also has plans to get a high school hockey team to play there as well. With the success of this recent game, it is a very likely endeavor that will happen by the end of this season.