The Winterhawks 2024-25 regular season home schedule comes to a close this Friday night, and it won't be a night with a lack of things to talk about.
The Winterhawks play their 10th-and-final regular season home game this Friday night, January 17th, when they host the Lucknow Lancers at the Southampton Coliseum, sponsored by BJS Electric.
First and foremost, the Winterhawks control of their own destiny to clinch their spot in the OEHL's AA Playoffs.
It's pretty simple - win and they're in. A win over Lucknow would clinch the Winterhawks spot in the Paxton Trophy playoffs.
It will also be one for the Winterhawks record books, as Brent MacDermid is poised to dress in his 250th game in a Winterhawks uniform.
As if that isn't enough of a milestone, it will make MacDermid the Winterhawks all-time games played leader, surpassing Greg Thede, who played 249 games over 12 seasons.
Another milestone on the cusp belongs to Curtis Johnston, who enters the game with 149 career goals, and will be looking for the elusive 150th goal in his hometown. Johnston ranks second to MacDermid on the Winterhawks all-time goal scoring list, and earlier in the season, became the third Winterhawk to reach 300 career points.
The Winterhawks will welcome a special guest anthem singer, as Emmy Award-winning director, actress and musician Stevie Vallance will perform O Canada.
Her credits include, but certainly not limited to: Three Men and a Baby, The Ropers, Donkey Kong Country, Sonic Unlimited and Madeline, for which she won the Daytime Emmy in 2002 for voice casting and directing.
Vallance grew up in Toronto and lived in Los Angeles for much of her professional life, but she now calls Southampton home.
The puck drops at 8:30 p.m. at the Southampton Coliseum on Friday night. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as parking and seating are both limited at the Coliseum. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
An important note for anybody with 2024-25 game passes in their possession, Friday's game is the last chance to use them. Game passes are valid only for regular season games and are not accepted during the playoffs.
The game may be Friday, but the Winterhawks will still be busy this weekend.
Saturday January 18th is Hockey Day in Canada, and we're kicking it off with our annual Skate with the Winterhawks event from noon-12:50 p.m. at The Plex.
Strap on the blades and join your favourite Winterhawks for a completely free event, standard public skating rules apply!
Following the skate, we'll be heading over to Three Sheets Brewing with members of the Saugeen Shores Gulls for road hockey and hot chocolate for the kids (of course, Three Sheets brews for the adults) from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.