Oilers broadcasters coming to Nipawin

Moon, a former goaltender, played parts of two seasons with the Black and Gold, back in 1988/89 and 89/90. He also had a small stint with the Prince Albert Raiders.

The 54-year-old would later go on to suit up for the Medicine Hat Tigers, however, played most of his games with the Saskatoon Blades.

Moon credits Nipawin as his true start in high-level hockey, remembering it fondly despite only suiting up for a total of 24 games.

“I really do hold it close to my heart, the year before I came to the Hawks, I was bouncing around the AJHL and things just weren’t really working out for me. It was exciting to come to Nipawin, the team was good, I had a lot of fun, and we actually went to the SJHL Finals. I made some great friends and we had a lot of success,” he added.

“It’s a part of the junior hockey journey for me before I got to the Western League. It was a lot of fun, and it is a great community that really rallies behind the team. I know they’re doing these fundraising events to make sure that they can continue to stay operational and put some money in the bank, so if there’s anything I can do to help that, I want to help.”

Following his career as a goaltender, Moon joined the broadcasting side of things in the BCHL, beginning in the 1995/96 campaign with the Nanaimo Clippers.

After three years in B.C., he spent 22 seasons as the voice of the Red Deer Rebels (WHL), 10 of which were also as the Director of Broadcasting.

Moon has since been the radio play-by-play voice of his hometown Oilers, starting in 2020/21.

As for Debrusk, he spent time in the Ontario Hockey League, American Hockey League, National Hockey League, and International Hockey League between 1988 and 2004.

Stops on his journey include London, Binghamton, Edmonton, Cape Breton, Tampa Bay, San Antonio, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Springfield, Long Beach, Quebec, Hamilton, Chicago, Norfolk, and Hartford.

In 401 NHL games, Debrusk racked up 1,161 penalty minutes.

He began his Oilers broadcasting career in 2008, serving as both a colour commentator and analyst.

Debrusk, a native of Cambridge, Ontario has never been to Nipawin but is looking forward to the night, as well as maybe catching some fish.

“I had to explain to him where Nipawin was… to help seal the deal I told him we may get out to do a little fishing. He’s looking forward to meeting the people and having a fun event,” concluded Moon.

“The Hawks are a good and proud franchise, they’ve done so many great things over the years and there are so many players that have come there, spent time in Nipawin, and become a part of their history. I’m one of those guys so I can’t wait to get back and I’m looking forward to seeing everybody.”

The night is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 6 at the Nipawin Evergreen Centre, with cocktails at 6 p.m., the main event at 7 p.m., and a meet and greet to follow. Tickets are priced at $30.

Tickets for the event (submitted photo/Cam Moon)

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8

by Ben Tompkins

Oilers broadcasters coming to Nipawin

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