There may not be too many cow-pokes over at the NHL saloon these days, but that hasn't kept the Canuck Alumni from gettin' together out at the ranch and startin' off the new season with a bang.

About 50 of the boys and their sweethearts turned out for a western-themed annual Alumni dinner/dance at the Vancouver Golf and Country Club at the beginning of the month ... complete with a bit of none-too-serious fun at the gaming tables, run by those two Alumni card-sharks, (Cesare) Maniago and (Dave) Cannon.

Highlight of the night had to be the presentation of the Alumni's treasured "Seventh Man" Award, to long-time media supporter and friend, Bernie Pascall, who made the trip over from Vancouver Island for the 'special event" ... made even more special thanks to the Alumni's sheriff, President Gerry Sillers, who handed over the hardware while decked out as a reasonable impersonation of Hank Williams Jr. If Hank Williams Jr. had recently been released from hospital and felt up to taking his brand-new hip for a spin on the dance floor.

Perhaps the most-convincing fashions were displayed by Alumnus Rick Amann and his 'best girl,' Ellen, who took home the prize as best-dressed couple.

Perhaps the most-compelling display at the round-up was all those 'Wanted' posters in the front lobby, with all-too-familiar faces greeting the good folk - and the shady characters, alike - as they rolled up for the evening's festivities.

Even with NHL lockout still on, a subject on everyone's mind these days: the turnout from among the NHL scouts Jack McIlhargey and Harold Snepsts who made time out of their schedules to attend the ho down .