Local Military to be honoured at Oilers game in Washington

Edmonton Sun

January 13, 2009

Members of the Canadian military - including three city soldiers - will receive a salute today at the Edmonton Oilers game against the Washington Capitals in Washington, D.C. The three Edmonton-based soldiers - including Master Cpl. Colin A. Johnston - will also be honoured.

Their families have been flown to the game with the Oilers where a tribute video will be played on the scoreboard. About 150 Canadian troops serving south of the border will also be in attendance.

Cpl. James Douglas with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band from Edmonton will play bagpipes in the main concourse of the arena just before the game and during intermission. And game-goers will get a chance to enter a draw for a lunch for four and a private tour of the Canadian Embassy.

The event was organized and sponsored by local public advocacy organization Alberta Enterprise Group, which first teamed up with the Washington Capitals hockey team last year to honour Canadian troops. It was the first tribute to the Canadian military by a professional American sports team. "The Canadian Forces have done a terrific job for Canada and are a huge part of the city of Edmonton, so we thought honouring them in this way was a perfect way to give back and show our appreciation," said company vice-president David MacLean.

The event also provides an opportunity for Americans to meet some Canadian soldiers who have served overseas in Afghanistan, including Cpl. Mark Fuchko, who lost both legs March 29, 2008, after the vehicle he was driving hit an explosive device.

"He is a very special guest," said. Lt.-Col. Douglas Martin, public affairs attache with the Canadian Forces. "We would like a lot of Americans to get a chance to meet him, to learn his sacrifice, his story, and I think that's a very important aspect of this tribute the Americans and the Washington Capitals are giving to Canadian troops."

The game is on tonight at 5 p.m. on Rogers Sportsnet.