MOOSE JAW — The 32nd annual Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner in Moose Jaw was a night full of star power, sports legends, and passionate fans at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds on the evening of April 5.
The first Hot Stove session kicked off the evening after an address by Coleton Froehlich and celebrity introductions, featuring an all-star lineup including former Edmonton Oilers captain Craig MacTavish, hockey legend Curtis (Cujo) Joseph, Blue Jays’ icon Lloyd Moseby, and Saskatchewan Roughriders’ head coach Corey Mace, moderated by the always-entertaining Rod Black.
MacTavish reflects on Moose Jaw memories
Craig MacTavish, a veteran of 17 NHL seasons from 1979 to 1997, took a trip down memory lane as he reminisced about his previous visits to Moose Jaw, including a heartfelt nod to the late Vernon Traill. He fondly remembered participating in the Clark Gillies Celebrity Golf Classic, which brought several big names from the NHL to the city years ago.
“It’s been about 20 years since I was here, and it’s great to be back in Moose Jaw,” MacTavish said. “Some of the people I’ve spoken to have great memories of that time. It’s incredible to see how much the community values hockey, and it’s awesome to reconnect with fans here.”
Ovechkin’s historic achievement
Rod Black brought up Alexander Ovechkin’s incredible feat of tying Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals scored in NHL history, a moment MacTavish had the privilege of experiencing firsthand.
“When you see what Ovechkin has accomplished, you have to give him credit,” MacTavish commented. “I’ve played with Wayne for many years, so there were some mixed feelings about that record being broken. But Ovechkin has done it with incredible class, and I’m excited to see what happens next.”
Cujo’s thoughts on Ovechkin
Curtis Joseph, a household name in the world of goaltending, was quick to share his thoughts on Ovechkin as well.
“I had the privilege of playing against Ovechkin towards the end of my career, and you always look forward to facing the best,” Joseph said.
“He’s an energy player who brings so much to his team. He’s a great ambassador for the game.”
Joseph also shared a playful moment with Black, joking that Ovechkin had two shots against him during his career — a good-natured acknowledgement of his legendary goaltending abilities.
Corey Mace talks Roughriders
The session turned to football when Saskatchewan Roughriders’ head coach Corey Mace discussed the upcoming CFL season.
After a strong first year at the helm, Mace is optimistic about the team’s prospects.
“The feeling this offseason is incredible,” Mace said. “Our guys are already deep into their playbooks, and they’re chomping at the bit. We have one goal in mind: winning.”
Mace acknowledged the enthusiasm from fans and spoke about the electric atmosphere of playing in front of Rider Nation.
“It’s incredible to have such passionate fans. When you play here, it’s not just about the 12 guys on the field; it’s about the 35,000 in the stands too.”
Lloyd Moseby’s take on the Blue Jays
Lloyd Moseby, a key member of the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series teams in the late 1980s, gave his thoughts on the current state of the team.
“The Blue Jays have great defence right now, and I think they’re going to have a great season,” Moseby said. “The offence might be slow to start, but once it clicks, they’ll be ready for the playoffs.”
NHL playoff insights from the pros
When asked about the Toronto Maple Leafs’ chances this season, former Leafs goaltender Joseph acknowledged that it’s the question he hears most often — especially from hopeful Leafs fans.
“There are no guarantees,” Joseph said. “You just want to be one of the top three teams in the league, and the Leafs have a chance every year.”
He pointed to stronger goaltending and depth on defence as key improvements, along with a coach who knows how to win.
“I definitely have optimism because of all those factors,” he added. “If they stay healthy, they’ve got as good a shot as anyone.”
Joseph also shared high hopes from another Canadian contender: the Edmonton Oilers. Despite a stretch of injuries to star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Joseph believes the adversity has helped the team grow.
“It gives the other players an opportunity to fill those big moments and get the ice time,” he explained. “Their game’s tightened up defensively, and once the stars are back, they’re going to be even better.”
Joseph added that McDavid’s drive to win is reminiscent of past greats like Gretzky and Crosby, saying, “It won’t be long before there’s another great parade down Jasper Avenue.”
MacTavish, who played alongside Gretzky during the Oilers’ dynasty years, echoed that sentiment.
“When you have a player like McDavid, anything’s possible,” he said. “The Oilers are right there — they just need everything to click at the right time.”
