Today marks the announcement of the 11th annual Nipissing Lakers men's hockey Military Appreciation Night, as the Lakers take on the Royal Military College Paladins.
 
The annual celebration of North Bay's and Canada's armed forces is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.
 
The annual game, which has always been against RMC (Royal Military College of Canada) will see the Lakers don camouflage uniforms which will be auctioned off through a silent auction and presented to the winning bid post-game.
 
"We are really excited to once again host this game. It is our 11th Military Appreciation Night and is always a date we have circled on our calendar," Lakers Athletic Director, Vito Casitglione said. "Being able to not only entertain the women and men in uniform, but also raise some money for the Military Family Resource Centre is truly a win-win and is something we are happy to be a part of."
 
"This is always a fun night and a great game. RMC always works hard and gives us all we can handle," Lakers men's hockey team head coach Mike McParland said. "The ability to support and recognize the men and women of the armed forces, raise money for the MFRC and entertain the men and women in uniform is great and we look forward to January 4."
 
Over the past decade, these annual military appreciation games have raised over $30,000 for the North Bay Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), a local charity which provides programs and services to support military and veteran families in our area.
 
The jerseys are uniquely designed each year with input from the players, and then worn with pride and auctioned off during the game.
 
"The North Bay Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) is honoured to once again be the recipient of proceeds from the jersey auction at the Lakers Military Appreciation game. As a not for profit organization, receiving donations like this help us enhance programs and services to meet the unique needs of military and veteran families throughout Northeastern Ontario," MFRC Executive Director, Tessa Clermont said. "We're incredibly grateful for the support, and we look forward to cheering on the Lakers at the game."