Marvin and Loewen to face off in fundraising hockey game

Marvin and Loewen usually battle for sales with homeowners, architects and builders. But next week, employees of the neighboring window and door makers will face off in an international border battle for bragging rights on the hockey rink. And refereeing the game will be Warroad native, NHL All-Star and 1980 Olympic gold medal “Miracle on Ice” team member Dave Christian.

About 90 miles separate Warroad, Minnesota – home of Marvin – and Steinbach, Manitoba – home of Loewen. A group of Loewen employees will make the trip south on Saturday, Jan. 12, to help inaugurate Warroad’s newly remodeled Olympic Arena. The game begins at 4:30 p.m.

There is no charge for admission to the game, but free-will donations will be accepted to raise funds for new tables and seating in the arena lobby. Concession sales at the event also will go toward lobby furnishings, and there will be a raffle of VIP hockey gear and other items.

“We’re happy to invite our friends from Loewen to Warroad, to show them how we play hockey in Minnesota,” said Paul Marvin, director of materials for Marvin Windows and Doors. “All kidding aside, these are two great companies that share a northern heritage and a love of winter sports that crosses national borders. We’ll have players from just about every department, and every age range.

“It will be a fun event to raise money for a worthy cause – and one team will go home with some friendly bragging rights,” Marvin said, adding that there are already plans for a rematch in March on Loewen’s turf.

Despite being a Warroad native, Minnesota hockey legend Christian is uniquely suited to referee the game without favoritism. As quality manager of Cardinal Glass in Fargo, N.D., Christian produces insulated window glass used in both Marvin and Loewen products.

Another local legend, Marvin plant manager and 40-year employee Ron Lund, has signed on to manage and coach the Warroad squad.