For the first time in over 20 years, the Airdrie Bisons held their regular season home opener in the city.

The event was a special occasion for the over 20 young men who will wear the Bisons uniform this season as thunderous applause welcomed each of them to the Ron Ebbesen Arena.

The opening ceremony for the game was also special for a local hockey family, who tragically lost their son two years ago.

Former Bisons player Markus Lavallee (Photo Courtesy: CFR Chemicals Bisons)

Members of the Lavallee family were joined by Mayor Peter Brown and representatives of the team sponsor, CFR Chemicals in the opening ceremonies of the game which were held in honour of Markus Lavallee.

Markus was a member of the Bisons team from 2014-2015, who was tragically killed in a car crash along with his grandmother in the summer of 2015.

As part of the ceremonies, the Lavalle family announced how they plan to continue Markus’ legacy through this season and beyond.

“Rather than hanging his jersey somewhere where dust can get collected on ot, I think it’s a great idea for the number to be worn by someone who exemplifies exactly what Markus was all about,” says Head Coach Dan Gendur.

Markus’ number 17 will be given to the player named team captain, which this year is Ryan Ries.

After the ceremonial puck drop and national anthem were completed, the long anticipated home opener was ready to begin.

It was a tight game for both the Bisons and the Calgary Buffaloes, with the visiting team scoring once in the second and adding an empty net goal in the third to take the game 2-0.

Despite the loss, Coach Gendur says there were some positive moments to take away.

“Our bright spot was definitely our goaltending. Steven played outstanding. Kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win coming down the stretch.”

Steve Bacovsky was named the first star of the game after making 25 saves in the loss.

The Bisons will look ahead to their next game on October 3rd when they take on the National Women’s Team at Winsport Arena in Canada Olympic Park.

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