LEWISTON – So you miss professional hockey. You’re tired of hearing the pros whining about their salaries. Money-grubbing owners make you sick.
Take heart. On Friday, some of the biggest names from the Boston Bruins will be in town to take on a team made up of local cops.
The yearly Celebrity Bruins hockey game typically involves on-ice antics and free loot for the kids. But it’s also a forum where former greats display their talents and skating police officers try to keep up with them.
This year, the cops think they have the edge they need to skate past the B’s. Mainly, youth.
“I’ve had some scouts down there checking on the Bruins,” said police detective and team captain Jim Theiss. “I find them to be, quite frankly, very old. And they’re getting older all the time. I don’t think they’re going to be a problem for us.”
The pre-game trash talk inevitably involves skaters from the police squad predicting victory over the pros. In previous years, the Bruins have had the local boys for lunch.
This year, some well-known puck handlers and a handful of career brutes will be on hand to entertain the crowd and possibly embarrass police. Former Bruins brawler Chris Nilan is expected to lace up, as is noted bad boy Kenny Linseman.
Other Bruins heading to Lewiston are Bob Sweeney, Bob Miller, Steve Rooney, Nevin Markwart, Glen Featherstone, Peter Douris and crowd favorite Gary Doak.
Theiss and other cops on ice are not intimidated by the collective talent of their rivals.
We’ve had rigorous, off-season training in preparation for this,” Theiss said. “Of course, I think we’ll win.”
The bout is sponsored by Gang Resistance Education and Training and the Police Athletic League. Money raised from the event will go to programs to help kids rather than into the pockets of millionaire owners of professional hockey franchises.
Parking is free at the Friday night matchup. Bruins will be signing autographs and police will give out free stuff, including T-shirts, pucks, balls and Frisbees. They will also raffle off an official Lewiston Police hockey jersey, worn at least once and signed by a dozen Bruins.
Year after year, the celebrity game follows the local Lions Hockey Tournament. And year after year, the police vow revenge for repeated losses suffered at the hands of the Bruins.
“No, we haven’t beat them,” Theiss said. “But we beat them in softball and now they won’t play us anymore. Now, they’ll only take us on in hockey. That’s OK. We’re ready.”
Go and Do
What: Celebrity Bruins hockey game
Where: The Colisee on Birch Street, Lewiston
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25
Comments are no longer available on this story