TAIT: Oilers Alumni embrace World's Longest Hockey Game

Family Day came to a close Monday evening as the sun tucked itself away, but Dr. Brent Saik was, once again, embraced by the tight-knit unit known as the hockey family. Dr. Saik, Edmonton Oilers optometrist, held the World's Longest Hockey Game on his family property southeast of Sherwood Park, affectionately known as Saiker's Acres. The game, which lasted for a staggering 251 hours and nine minutes ended shortly after 7:00 PM on Monday night, an unofficial world record. The final score was 1,830 for the red team and 1,692 for team white. Shots on goal? Get this: a total of 12,819.

Perhaps, though, the most significant figure is the $859,722.34 raised through the event for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.)Dr. Saik, who was the top fundraiser of the event collecting $46,040, is well loved by the Edmonton Oilers community and had numerous visits from Edmonton Oilers Alumni over the week. Timing was certainly a factor: The World's Longest Hockey Game had its opening faceoff February 9, just two days before the 1984-85 Oilers squad was honoured at the NHL Centennial Greatest Team Celebration at Rogers Place.
Pat Hughes and Mike Krushelnsyki, members of the 1984-85 team, and Barrie Stafford, Alumni Relations Manager and former Equipment Manager for the team, were on hand for the opening ceremonies at 8:00 AM on Friday in -35 degree weather. "It was very cold," said Stafford. "We were part of the honour guard with the RCMP, military, Strathcona County dignitaries and a piper. The guys that participate are all true warriors for what they put themselves through for this great cause. Brent and his wife Jenelle are saints."
Hughes was in awe of everything that he saw. "I was amazed at the entire production that Dr. Saik and the event's participants put forth over 11 days to raise money for such a great cause," said Hughes. "Through some extreme conditions, including extreme weather swings, they should be proud of what they have and will accomplish.
"Congratulations to Dr. Saik and Jenelle and everyone else for a spectacular and inspirational effort."

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.