Every Tuesday home game, Satelites owner and GM Cliff "Moses" Malzensky would get to the Billy Mosienko arena early and putter around, getting ready for puck drop at 8 p.m.
The Billy was his happy place, where he could watch "his boys" on the ice, where he could talk hockey, and where he felt at home.
What will that home feel like, without its heart and soul?
We're about to find out.
With Cliff's sudden passing during tryouts in September, and the arena's ice plant out of operation all fall, the Satelites have been playing "home" games away.
Scott Taylor wrote about the team's challenging season and some of the player's remembrances here:
https://gameonhockey.com/magazine/year-12-issue-2?page=70Tuesday, Jan. 2 is the first time the team will be back on the ice at the Billy, playing the Arborg Ice Dawgs.
But Cliff won't be there to say a cheery hello and stand proudly on the bench behind the team.
His absence will be felt deeply by the players, coaches, staff and parents.
We will honour Cliff with a ceremony at 8 p.m. It will include a few words from a former team captain, Brian Mackenzie, and a moment of silence. A traditional drum group, will perform an honour song. Deirdre Borus will sing the national anthem. Cliff's family will participate in a ceremonial puck drop.
Come early - there will be a slide show in the foyer with photos from teams past and present.
And you'll have an opportunity to donate towards a Cliff Malzensky Best Player Award.
This is our chance to say good-bye to Cliff in his barn, playing the game he loved so much.
Please join us.
Let's pack the arena in memory of Cliff.
Selkirk
St. Malo
Lundar
Beausejour
Arborg
N. Winnipeg
