Unfortunately, the man for whom the Jim Neilson Sports Complex (pictured) was named has passed away and won’t be able to attend, but the 16-year N-H-L defenceman will be forever remembered when the multi-use facility is officially opened on September 6.

Located on the Big River First Nation, just north of Debden, the Jim Neilson Sports Complex will host the first W-H-L pre-season game of 2022 as the Prince Albert Raiders host the Saskatoon Blades in a 1 o’clock matinee. Jim Neilson passed away in November, 2020. He played 12 seasons with the New York Rangers and two each with the Cleveland Barons and California Golden Seals plus one campaign in the World Hockey Association with the Edmonton Oilers. The Jim Neilson Sports Complex is a $45-million facility that was five years in the planning. It includes a 1,500-seat arena and a Grades 6-to-12 school plus several other amenities. Following is another picture of the Jim Neilson Sports Complex and area plus Les Lazaruk’s full interview with Big River First Nation C-E-O Derek Klein…..