March 21, 1997

NUGGETS RUSH INTO TOWN

By GARRY MARR
Ottawa Sun    With smiles as broad as the country they just crossed, the Dawson City Nuggets landed in town yesterday promising fans a good old-fashioned rush -- a hockey rush that is.
   "I can't promise that we'll win but we'll given them (the Ottawa Senators Alumni) a good ride that Dawson City can be proud of," said assistant captain Kevin Anderson. "We've never gone into a game expecting to lose."
   The team arrived dressed in their uniforms and some of the trappings of travelling through the North, including snowshoes.
   It was a 6,400-km trek to Ottawa for the Nuggets who will try to avenge a 23-2 thumping by the Ottawa Silver Seven in the 1905, when another hardy Klondike team travelled to the capital to vie for the Stanley Cup.
   This time, however, it will be pride and $50,000 worth of gold the Nuggets will be playing for when they take on the Senators Alumni team Sunday. The winnings will be donated to charity.
   About 200 well-wishers turned up at the train station to greet the team, which included an entourage of dancers and a Yukon musician playing some stomping tunes on his violin.
   Among those at the station were the Senators Alumni players, who were also decked out in their team sweaters.
   "We're here to take their hockey bags and hide them," cracked Laurie Boschman.
   "Earl (McRae) is with them and he's been pumping them up."
   The bearded McRae, looking fit and tanned, was a little disappointed to be back in the capital.
   "It feels boring, mundane, depressing, sad, life doesn't have any meaning anymore," dead panned the Sun's Page 3 columnist.
   He plans to head back to the Yukon soon to open up a fast-food chain.
   "I'll be selling moose patties," McRae jibed.
   That would be bad news for McRae megafan Bernadette Villeneuve, otherwise know as Mamma Bare.
   "The Nuggets have got no hope, the Alumni are going to win," Mamma Bare said.
   Ottawa Mayor Jacquelin Holzman was offering the same prediction although she had a little bit of advice for the visiting team.
   "Don't leave your Nuggets on top of the car," quipped the mayor, referring to the time she left the chain of office on her vehicle.
   The team had one ardent fan in the crowd, Yukon MP and former NDP leader Audrey McLaughlin.
   "My policy has always been to abolish the Senate," said McLaughlin. "It will be the Dawson City Nuggets who will abolish the Senators."

   AROUND TOWN
   * Today -- Stanley Cup goes on display at the Ottawa Heart Institute from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Nuggets and Sens Alumni practice, followed by media game at Sandy Hill Arena. 8 p.m.: Nuggets dine at Moe's World Famous Newport Restaurant.
   * Tomorrow -- Klondike Blowout! at the Westin hotel starting at 7 p.m. 500 tickets up for grabs at $30 each.
   * Sunday -- The BIG game. Faceoff at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $2 for kids.

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