Sportsman Dinner Continues to Honour Victor Ringuette’s Impact on Bonnyville

The Centennial Centre was packed Feb. 27 as the community gathered once again to celebrate sport, service and the lasting legacy of Victor Ringuette.

The fourth annual Victor Ringuette Sportsman Dinner brought together athletes, volunteers, business leaders and families for an evening centred on community pride and youth development.

 

A Legacy That Still Gives Back

Ringuette was widely known for supporting non-profit organizations across Bonnyville, the Lakeland and western Canada. After his passing four years ago, local sports leaders created the annual dinner to ensure his name and his community-first values continue to be honoured.

Neil Langridge, vice-president of operations for the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs, said the event reflects Ringuette’s spirit by bringing organizations together rather than operating in silos.

This year’s dinner was co-hosted by the Bonnyville Junior A Pontiacs, the Bonnyville Senior Pontiacs and the Lakeland Lacrosse Association. The collaborative format has helped maintain strong attendance and broad support year after year.

The focus remains clear: create a fun, engaging night while raising funds that go back into local sport.

 

Lakeland Connect Alumni Returns as MC

Adding to the local connection, Lakeland Connect alumnus Michael Menzies served as master of ceremonies and moderated the hot stove discussion with special guest Kevin Lowe.

Menzies now works with Oilers Nation but remains a familiar voice in Bonnyville as the away game play-by-play broadcaster for the Pontiacs. Those games continue to stream live on Lakeland Connect, keeping local fans connected wherever the team travels.

His conversation with Lowe blended humour, hockey history and thoughtful reflection, creating an engaging 90-minute fireside-style chat.

 

Kevin Lowe Shares Stories and Lessons

Six-time Stanley Cup champion and former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Kevin Lowe headlined the evening, sharing stories from the Oilers dynasty years of the 1980s.

Relaxed in an armchair setting, Lowe joked about watching his old highlight reel and noticing how much hair he used to have before diving into deeper reflections about teamwork, determination and resilience.

He spoke about the intensity of the Oilers’ rivalry with the Calgary Flames, describing a time when competition extended far beyond the rink. Even charity events between the teams carried tension, and games often had physical and emotional consequences no matter the outcome.

Lowe also reflected on the 1983 Stanley Cup Final loss to the New York Islanders, recalling how seeing the battered but battle-tested Islanders after their championship win changed the Oilers’ perspective. The following season, Edmonton returned stronger, defeating the Islanders to capture its first Stanley Cup and launch a dynasty.

 

Built on Community

Following the event, Lowe said visiting Bonnyville felt nostalgic, noting his own small-town roots and the role community sport played in shaping his life.

He emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives like the Sportsman Dinner, particularly when proceeds benefit youth athletes and local facilities.

He also praised the C2, highlighting how important modern recreational complexes are for developing young talent and strengthening communities.

In the end, the evening was about more than championship rings or rivalry stories. It was about continuing a legacy of generosity and investing in the next generation.

Four years after his passing, Victor Ringuette’s name still brings people together — and in Bonnyville, that legacy continues to make a difference.