Vancouver Canuck Fan Favourites to Relive Glory Days as Richmond Celebrates Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada
07 February 2012
Original Vancouver Canuck captain Orland Kurtenbach, sniper Tony Tanti, all-star defenceman Dave Babych and tough guy Jack McIlhargey are joining all-time fan favourite Trevor Linden and other stars to meet fans and faceoff for a fun game of celebrity ball hockey this Saturday.
It’s just one part of Richmond Celebrates Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada at the Richmond Olympic Oval on February 11. Richmond has been selected as a regional host for CBC and Scotiabank’s popular national celebration of Canada’s Game and has planned a celebration of “all things hockey under one roof” beneath the Oval’s iconic, pine-wood ceiling. Admission is free.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie has issued an official proclamation encouraging hockey fans to wear their favourite team jerseys on February 11 to help mark the celebration of our national passion.
Hockey Day in Canada Proclamation
“Hockey is Canada’s national passion and a unifying force for all regions of our country, ages, cultures and backgrounds,” states the official proclamation. “The City of Richmond wishes to encourage all Richmond residents, visitors and friends to show their love of hockey and join in celebrating Hockey Day in Canada on February 11 by wearing their favourite hockey jersey, wherever they may be.”
Large crowds are expected for the event on Saturday. Those planning to attend are warned that there will be no public parking available at the Oval. Free public parking is available nearby, however attendees are encouraged to use transit, walk, cycle or car pool. Details on transportation options and a complete event schedule are available at: www.richmondoval.ca/hockeyday.
Event highlights include:
- A chance to “Shoot To Win” a trip for two to Japan, courtesy of Westjet and Japan Air Lines.
- Numerous merchandise giveaways, prize draws and fun contests.
- The Hockey Hall of Fame’s “Legends” exhibit featuring memorabilia, interactive experiences and a number of NHL trophies.
- The Richmond Sockeyes versus the North Delta Devils in the first ever Pacific International Junior Hockey League game to be held at the Oval.
- Mr. O’Canada, Mark Donnelly, famous for his singalong rendition of the Canadian anthem at Vancouver Canucks games, will lead the Oval crowd in singing O Canada to start the Sockeyes game.
- Celebrity Ball Hockey game at noon.
- An interactive fun zone where fans can test their shooting and other hockey skills.
- Sony PlayStation video games section, plus table hockey and air hockey challenges.
- A Hockey Marketplace featuring more than 50 vendors offering hockey memorabilia, collectibles, trading cards and more.
- A giant screen with CBC TV broadcasts of games featuring all seven Canadian NHL teams.
- A day-long hockey jamboree on twin Olympic-sized ice sheets.
- A public entry road hockey tournament on the Oval plaza organized by Urban Rec.
- Members of Canada’s national men’s floorball team, demonstrating their exciting and rapidly-growing game.
Doors will open to the public at 10:30 a.m. and the celebration will last until 10:00 p.m.; early entrance at 10:00 a.m. for Richmond Olympic Oval members and their friends and family by showing membership card.
Additional event partners include Stuart Olson Dominion, Concord Pacific, Coca-Cola, Van Houtte Coffee, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Urban Impact, Fortis BC, Boston Pizza, Bossa Productions, Aberdeen Centre, Lehigh Cement, the Vancouver Airport Authority, 24 Hours and the Richmond Review. Hockey Day in Canada Program
NOTE: It was previously announced that Michael Bublé would be participating in the Celebrity Ball Hockey game at Richmond Celebrates Scotiabank Hockey Day In Canada. However, due to other commitments, he has had to withdraw. He has sent the following statement to express his regrets:
"Unfortunately, I am unable to attend Hockey Day in Canada next Saturday February 11th in Richmond. A personal obligation came up that I had forgotten about and I have to go out of the country.
I'm truly sorry that I can't attend. I was very much looking forward to it, as my time playing ball hockey competitively brings back fond memories. I wish all the players luck and I hope the event is a great success for everyone."
Michael Bublé
