Dear Editor –
It has been just over a month, since Scotiabank Hockey Day In Canada took place in Owen Sound, yet people are still talking about the joy and excitement, not to mention the fantastic promotion of the city that took place over the three day event.
People have expressed pride at seeing drone shots of selected beautiful features of our city on Sportsnet Canada that would have been seen by an estimated ten million.
To be clear, there are many negative aspects of the culture of Hockey Canada that Canadians became painfully aware of this past year such as humiliating initiation practices and the coverup of sexual assaults in junior hockey.
These disgusting practices, under review provincially and federally, must be changed.
However, from the moment Ron MacLean entered The Roxy Theatre for the sold out Music of Hockey night, there was electricity in the air!
It was a class act with nothing but glowing reports about MacLean’s affability and amazing memory with peoples’ names and past events.
He and the visiting former NHL players i.e. Leaf greats Lanny McDonald, Wendel Clark, Darcy Tucker and former Attack player Bobby Ryan mingled effortlessly and happily with anyone who requested a picture or a short chat with them.
Later, at a Heartwood Hall event, Ryan would share stories about the great support he received from the Attack organization during a very difficult period in his life.
The Roxy shone on the national stage without a hitch! Live streams were often sent to Sportsnet that evening and the outstanding local talent looked great onstage thanks to Owen Sound Little Theatre technical director Gary Byers.
The sold out Alumni game with the first time inclusion of women and the addition of Women’s University games were a nice touch.
Other national sports events mentioned Owen Sound over the three day event culminating with the live broadcast from Harrison Park for which the weather finally cooperated.
This was a HUGE undertaking for all involved with three days of various activities that had been cancelled twice by the pandemic.
Kudos, congratulations and thank you to the three dedicated key organizers, Jim McManaman, Denise Reid and Fred Wallace, who led enthusiastic teams of city and county staff, with support from generous sponsors and the many, many volunteers who made this event so successful.
Sports fan or not, you have to admit, this was not only a great event for the people of Owen Sound and area but a wonderful promotion as well.
– Shirley Holmes, Owen Sound
photographs – Hub files
