By Michael Caples –
The Plymouth Whalers will welcome the Windsor Spitfires to Michigan to kick off their 2013 preseason schedule.
The game just won’t be at Compuware Arena.
The two Ontario Hockey League rivals will play in at Livonia’s Eddie Edgar Ice Arena at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31, kicking off the Whalers’ preseason schedule with a game designed to raise funds for a new memorial being constructed in one of the city’s parks.
All of the game’s proceeds will go to the Livonia Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Larry Nehasil Park in Livonia. Both the park and the memorial were created to honor police officers Larry Nehasil, Ervin Johnston, James Kelley and Sidney Dethloff, along with fireman Gary Kreski.
“We’re very excited here, not only with the (Livonia) police department, but the fire department and the entire city organization,” said Livonia Police Chief Curtis Caid via a release from the Whalers. “We really appreciate the support of the Plymouth Whalers and their organization in bringing the game to Eddie Edgar Arena for our benefit. We’re truly honored that the Whalers and the Spitfires are willing to play a game here in Livonia and for this cause.”
The game is expected to be the largest that has taken place at Eddie Edgar, an arena that traditionally hosts high school and youth games.
“We’re very excited about this game,” said arena manager Justin Feldman in the release. “It’s a great opportunity for Nehasil Park and the Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund. When we were approached to host the game, we were very excited to get on board to hopefully help them out. We anticipate a good turnout and that the game will be a success.”
The Whalers will hold a meet-and-greet with fans following the game, and there will be prize raffles throughout the evening. It is the fifth straight season the Whalers have opened their preseason schedule in a local rink; they played in Brighton in 2009, Chelsea in 2010, Farmington Hills in 2011 and Wyandotte last year.