After the celebration on Sunday for the NHL Centennial Greatest Team at Rogers Place, Stafford organized an entourage of 15 to head out down Range Road 220 the next morning, including Oilers Alumni Don Jackson, Glenn Anderson and their families to meet Dr. Saik.
"Wow!" commented Jackson, after watching a few minutes of the game. What a huge commitment"
Throughout the following week, Stafford and members of the Oilers organization made the trek out to Saikers Acres, some offering support and words of wisdom; others volunteering their time. Always an early riser, Ken Lowe, former Oilers Head Medical Trainer and current Senior Coordinator, Medical Services for Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG), drove out early each morning to offer his assistance with any medical issues the players may have been experiencing. On Thursday, Stafford and Lowe were joined by another 84-85 team member, Oilers Alumni Lee Fogolin. Fogolin presented Dr. Saik with a small memento of his appreciation - an autographed jersey from the NHL Centennial's Greatest Team - and spent time talking to players and volunteers.
The inspiration for the game is a personal one for Dr. Saik, as his life has been severely impacted by cancer several times: first his father, Terry, and then his wife Susan who passed away in 2003. The first World's Longest Hockey Game was held in 2003. There have been five more - 2005, 2008, 2011, 2015 and this year. In total, $3.4 million has been raised for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and that number continues to grow.
Dr. Saik told reporters Sunday he has no thoughts of hanging up the skates. In fact, he hopes to play the game with his son, who is currently six years old.
Celebrating Family Day with the hockey community while helping those in need; it doesn't get much better than that.