Ron MacLean and Don Cherry doing a live broadcast of “Coach’s Corner” on a Saturday night below the Canadian flag at the Corner Brook Civic Centre.
Hockey Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier belting out some country tunes on stage.
Wendel Clark and Lanny McDonald, the owners of two of hockey’s most famous moustaches, sharing their love of the game with boys and girls as participating NHL alumni.
Two outside rinks built on the soccer pitch next door to handle a hectic four days of fast and furious hockey.
A community event where everybody gets a chance to celebrate the rich history of hockey in Corner Brook, but also a chance to celebrate and promote the culture that makes Newfoundlanders a unique breed.
Getting a chance to touch the Stanley Cup and pose for photos with some of their former NHL stars.
Our former NHL stars connecting with fans of the past with a scheduled visit to a local seniors’ home.
A kitchen party into the wee hours of the morning.
Yes, folks, Corner Brook will be a beehive of activity for four days as the city plays host to the 2018 Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. This marks the first time this province has played host to event since Stephenville put out the welcome mat in 2006.
The schedule of events for the 18th edition of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada was announced during a press conference Wednesday morning at the Corner Brook Civic Centre with Sportsnet executive producer of NHL Special Events Joel Darling among those who talked about the excitement building for an event that will tell stories of heroes of hockey from this region to a large television audience from coast to coast.
Bruce Keating, the chairperson of the local organizing committee, was in an upbeat mood Wednesday as details about the event were shared with about 100 people.
Keating believes playing host to such a big event will not only showcase the rich history of hockey in the area, but provide people with a keener sense of the culture and way of life that makes Newfoundlanders a unique breed.
“I know the city is going to get caught up in this and swept away,” Keating said.
Keating admits the undertaking was bigger than what he envisioned when he decided to take the lead role, but he believes everything is starting to fall into place and the producers of the show have some great things planned for everybody to enjoy.
‘“They’re going to do some magical things in terms of how we get showcased to the country,” he said.
A smile on his face, Corner Brook Mayor Jim Parson had trouble fitting into a Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada jersey presented to him, but he didn’t seem to worried about being in game shape for the big celebration and was excited about the exposure it will bring to the city.
“What a great showcase for our region,” he said. “We can’t buy advertising any better than this.”
Parsons likes how the event will connect so many people together through hockey with special events that will appeal to different walks of life.
“You have to involve everybody in the community so even if you’re not a hockey fan that week you’re going to be one,” he said.
Darling is looking forward to an exciting time and believes a great event should help grow the game which is what the goal is from an entertainment point of view.
“The more people that play it, the more people that take part in it, the more people will watch it and get engaged in the game,” Darling said.
2018 Hockey Day in Canada
Jan. 17-20, 2018
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, Jan. 17
• The Music of Hockey with Ron MacLean
Stanley Cup arrival and opening night reception at Marble Mountain hosted by Ron MacLean with several NHL alumni on hand to celebrate the game with local fans.
Thursday, Jan. 18
• Community School Visits and Hockey Clinics
Young boys and girls who love hockey will get a chance to get up close and personal with NHL alumni and the Stanley Cup through school assemblies and on-ice skills clinics.
• Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada Banquet
An exclusive evening of hockey storytelling with NHL alumni and Sportsnet personalities including Ron MacLean and Don Cherry.
Friday, Jan. 19
• Breakfast with the Cup
An opportunity for people in the Corner Brook and surrounding area to check out the Stanley Cup in person and get photos taken with the prized trophy.
• Community, school and retirement home visits and hockey clinics
Kids and seniors get a bird’s eye view of the Stanley Cup and meet former NHL stars through school assemblies, retirement home visit and on-ice skills clinics conducted by NHL alumni members.
• NHL Alumni and Corner Brook Royals Classic
A battle between NHL and Corner Brook Royals Alumni at the Corner Brook Civic Centre on Friday night is expected to be a major hit with hockey fans in the region.
• Friday Night Kitchen Party
A celebration of the game through musical entertainment featuring the Bidini Band, former NHLer Bryan Trottier and a number of talented local musicians including Sherman Downey.
• NHL Alumni on board for 2018 Hockey Day in Canada
Bryan Trottier, Wendel Clark, Darren Langdon, Glenn Healy, Mark Napier, Darcy Tucker and Lanny McDonald.
Saturday, Jan. 20:
• Opening ceremony — Corner Brook City Hall
• Pancake Breakfast — Legion Branch 13
• Stanley Cup Parade to Civic Centre
Civic Centre – Outdoor Festival
• Stanley Cup and Allan Cup on Display at The Civice Centre
Civic Centre — Indoor Main Rink
• Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada with Ron MacLean Live from the Corner Brook Civic Centre
• Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada: Hockey Night in Canada Pre-Game Show
• Coaches Corner live with Ron MacLean and Don Cherry
• East Coast Blizzard vs Western Kings – major midget
• Heroes of Hockey Day Game
• Corner Brook Royals vs Stephenville Jets – senior hockey
Civic Centre — Outdoor Rinks
• Outdoor classic tournament
• Hockey clinics
• Scotiabank community hockeyfest
• Maple Leaf clinic
Dave Kearsey/The Western Star
Mayor Jim Parsons was in a good mood after receiving a Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada jersey Wednesday during a press conference for Corner Brook playing host to 2018 Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada Jan. 17-20.
Dave Kearsey/The Western Star
Bruce Keating, chairperson of the local organizing committee for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, talks about all the events being planned for the four days of the national event used to celebrate the game of hockey from coast to coast.
