This past weekend the Legion Hall in Swift Current was buzzing, as southwest celebrity hockey players and rodeo stars were auctioned off for charity. 

The first-ever Sticks n’ Spurs fundraiser, put on by the Swift Current Kinsmen Club, brought in around 180 guests on Saturday evening. 

Mike Wagner, member of the Swift Current Kinsmen Club, was enthused to see the night’s turnout. 

“We’re just doing a local charity event to showcase the local PBR bull riders and ex-NHL hockey players from the southwest Sask. area,” Wagner said. “It’s a first-time event, trying something new.”  

The local legends at the fundraiser included: three-time Canadian finalist for professional bull riding; Chad Hartman, past Ottawa Senator and Chicago Blackhawk; Zack Smith, Calgary Stampede champion and Canadian champion bull rider; Dakota Buttar, prior Ottawa Senator, New Jersey Devil, and Edmonton Oiler; Eric Gryba, and two-time Elk Ridge Resort and Brandon Cup Series professional bull riding champion Blake Smith. 

“We’re down here with some cowboys to raise some money for the Kinsmen Club here in Swift Current,” said Eric Gryba, retired NHL hockey player of seven seasons.  

Aside from the hockey players and bull riders, a few of the other auction items included Ariat boots, a Carhartt hoodie, a mini fridge, a hockey stick, signed jerseys from Eric Gryba, Zack Smith, Conor Geekie, and more.  

“Good people, good times, and hope for some good stories up on stage,” Gryba commented.  

Proceeds from the event will go back into the community, although specific projects are still being discussed.  

“Nothing yet at the moment, but we will be posting soon after we have our final meeting after the event,” Wagner said regarding the allocation of funds.  

The event tickets were $100 and included a supper catered by the one and only Harvest Eatery in Shaunavon, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. 

“Thanks to everyone who came out, the sponsors, thanks to everyone who donated auction items,” concluded Wagner. “We couldn’t do this without the community support.”