The Wade Hamer Challenge Cup hockey games between Sir John Franklin and St. Pat's High Schools don't need much in terms of hype. You already know both schools will be gearing up for what is arguably the biggest school sports event in Yellowknife each year.

This year, though, marks the 40th anniversary of the meeting between the city's two high schools and to help celebrate that, there's a bit of a blast from the past being offered up.

A 3-on-3 alumni game will take centre stage at the Multiplex on the evening of Nov. 19, the day before the big day. It's a chance for those who have played in games past to hit the ice once more and try yet again to win pride for their respective alma maters.

Rob Hart, who played in the Challenge Cup himself when he was a student at St. Pat's and who's now one of the coaches, is heading things up for the game and he said it was one of the ideas that came up during discussions between both schools on how to help celebrate the 40th edition.

"The game has always been a great way to bring both schools together and we thought it would be cool to have some of the past players get back on the ice and do it again, all in fun, of course," he said.

Everything will happen under pond hockey rules with teams of three being drawn up and the ice surface at the Ed Jeske Olympic Rink being divided in half for two games to happen at one time. Instead of full-size nets being used, there will be little wooden nets that have been built by the Kimberlite Technical and Career Centre at St. Pat's. There will be a round-robin, followed by a playoff round to determine the winner.

"All people need to do is bring skates, a stick, a helmet and we'll draw for teams," said Hart. "The games will be about 10 to 15 minutes long and we'll be getting out all the old jerseys."

Peter Curran, who's looking after most of the game's details at Sir John Franklin, said having an alumni game brings back a flood of memories.

"I remember we did a display here at the school for the 35th anniversary game and we had such a positive response to that," he said. "I had people stopping in the halls to look and telling me that their father or son or daughter played in it, so having something like (the alumni game) just brings more of a positive vibe to it all."

The no-goalie rule irked Curran a bit as he was once a constable of the corded cottage for Sir John Franklin in the early days of the game.

"I'm a firm member of the goalies' union and I sort of feigned my disappointment at not having goalies," he said.

Both Hart and Curran have had their own children play in the game over the years and Hart said watching them play, and remembering his own experiences, makes him realize just how invested he is in the event.

"I've watched all three of my kids and when you sit back and watch them and see them get into it, you realize how big it is," he said. "I know I'll be hoarse by the time it's all done and happy with the great plays and down with each bounce that goes against us."

Curran said he's just happy that the game has been around this long and hopes it will continue to be around.

"There aren't many things in this town that have been around for 40 years," he said. "It'll be a good tune-up for the big day and I know a lot of people will love to come out and play."