Friday night was a homecoming for several former NHL players as they faced off against a team consisting of members of the Hamilton media at the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena.

Former NHLer Marty McSorley played his Jr. B hockey at Mountain Arena with the Hamilton Kilty B’s. He said coming back is a trip down memory lane.

“I really remember (playing here) with very, very fond memories. To come back, it’s really fun. It’s a really good opportunity for me to catch up (with family and friends).”

McSorley scored 33 points and recorded 72 penalty minutes playing with the Kiltys during the 1980-81 season. He would go on to score 349 points in 961 NHL games with six different teams.

Another player returning home was Ron MacLean, the host of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. MacLean, who is also a referee, grew up in the area and honed his referee’s skills on the ice at Mountain Arena.

“A lot of (memories) flooded through me this evening. I remember the fans were fun, and just really enjoyed the rink,” he said.

The arena has been renovated since MacLean last worked a game there, and he’s impressed by the new look.

“It’s way nicer than it was in my day, when I was here frequently. The money they’ve poured into it as Dave Andreychuk Arena has definitely paid off.”

Hamilton native and former NHLer Ric Nattress coached the Jr. B Stoney Creek Warriors from 2008-2011. He says it’s always good to return home.

“It was good. It’s my hometown. Coming back to Mountain Arena, it’s nice.”

Hamiltonian Todd Harvey also played for the NHL Alumni, who defeated the Rock & Roll All-Stars 10-5.