Hockey still gets the motor running for a former member of the Okotoks Bisons.
Ryan Lockhart, a goalie for the Bisons in the early 1990s, is using his passion for hockey and trucks for a fundraising drive to help the game he loves.
“We have built a 1971 GMC short-box C-10, from the frame up, all the way custom, for the Okotoks Jr. A Oilers and Okotoks Minor Hockey,” said Lockhart, general manager of Collision Solutions in Okotoks. “The ’71 and ’72 trucks are two of the most desirable years you can get for the Chev C-10s. They are super popular right now.
“We thought we build custom trucks as well as autobody, let’s build something that is one of a kind.”
The truck, which has a 454 Chevy big block engine, which is paired up with a turbo 400 three-speed automatic transmission, has an estimated worth of $50,000.
The idea of raffling off a vintage truck of the Allman Brothers and Rolling Stones era came after a discussion between Lockhart and Oilers assistant coach Kyle Schussler.
“Myself being an ex-Junior B hockey player out here, we thought teaming up with the Oilers would be a great possibility,” Lockhart said.
The crew at Collision Solutions pieced together the various parts for the truck and it was built with loving care.
“This was putting two of my passions together, hockey and trucks and give back to the town I am from,” said Lockhart who owns ’62 Chev truck he built at Collision Solutions. “It’s great to be part of this.”
Oilers captain Ayden Roche-Setoguchi is currently driving a Nissan Rogue and he admits the C-10 is to his liking.
“It’s a pretty sweet truck, I would love to have it — I wish I was allowed to enter,” he said with a laugh. “This is great for the team and we’re just fortunate that we can get sponsorships like this.”
The tickets are $20 apiece and the proceeds will be split between the Oilers and minor hockey.
Tickets can be purchased through the Okotoks Oilers at the Pason Centennial Arena are at Collision Solutions at 105B Stockton Point.
