Sunday, March 9, 1997

RINK RAP

DON BRENNAN
Ottawa Sun    The game itself should be pretty interesting.
  And the visiting team's trip here, well, not only is our Earl McRae providing a daily account on Page 3, but those who know him also know the Entertaining One will spin a few yarns when he gets home.
  But it sounds like the Dawson City Nuggets will have tales to tell of their own following the four day-long party thrown for them during their weekend visit to the nation's capital to take on the Ottawa Senators alumni.
  Two charities -- the Canadian Special Olympics and the Ottawa Heart Institute -- will ultimately benefit, but a number of others will take away some good times from the Mar. 20-23 weekend.
  Here's how it shapes up: the Nuggets (and Earl) are scheduled to arrive at the Ottawa train station on the Thursday, at 1:13 p.m. A reception will be thrown for them immediately, and anyone who wants to welcome the Klondikers (and Earl) is invited.
  Friday, the visitors (and Earl) will have a chance to catch their breath, although it's a good bet they won't be catching up on their sleep. All that's on that day's schedule is a Nuggets practice, an alumni practice and a game against the media.
  Saturday, the Westin Hotel will host a Klondike Blowout, beginning at 7 p.m. Diamond Gertie and her Can-Can girls, along with a local band, will provide the entertainment and there will be a buffet. Tickets are $30 and can be obtained by calling the Senators at 599-0250 (ext. 4470).
  "There's going to be a big explosion at the Westin; the crazy Klondikers will think they've struck gold," said Brad Marsh of the Senators alumni.
  Sunday's game will be at 2 p.m. at the Corel Centre. Tickets are $8 for adults and $2 for kids 18 and under. At stake is $25,000 in gold, donated by miners in the Yukon, which the winning team will give to the Special Olympics.

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