Ron Francis visits, Mayor John guards the door

Hey - it's Ron Francis Day in Sault Ste. Marie!

And SooToday.com's favourite three-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner stopped for a split-second to let us to snap this shot before he was whisked off to a very, very, very, very, very exclusive private reception today in the Civic Centre.

We're really grateful you did that, Ron, because Mayor John Rowswell took it upon himself to guard the door like a pit bull, making sure only A-listers got inside and the pretty, pretty scene wasn't contaminated by paparazzi from sleazy outfits like SooToday.com and the Sault Star.

Last December, City Council voted to make February 23 Ron Francis Day after the venerated NHL player and former Soo Greyhound retired from professional hockey.

Francis is also the guest of honour at a $50-a-plate dinner and reception tonight at the Marconi Hall.

Funds raised from the event will be donated to the Sault Pee Wee Hockey Association.

To read earlier SooToday.com coverage of Ron Francis Day, click here.