Paul Henderson became a household name with his winning goal for Team Canada against the Russians in 1972. John Slaney of St. John’s — who was born in 1972 — carved out a professional career after scoring the winning goal for Canada at the world juniors in 1991. The Corner Brook Royals made history in 1986 by capturing the coveted Allan Cup as Canada’s top senior hockey team.
Then there was the big goal by Sid the Kid in Vancouver in 2010 to win Olympic gold against the United States.
Those are just a sample of some magical moments in Hockey Canada’s storied history over the past 100 years.
Now it’s time for hockey lovers to celebrate all those cherished memories from coast to coast.
Hockey Canada’s Century Tour — commemorating Hockey Canada’s 100th anniversary — will make its way to the Civic Centre in Corner Brook Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 to give local hockey fans a chance to celebrate the history of the game at all levels.
It is an interactive hockey experience caravan that will visit approximately 100 communities across Canada, including St. John’s Sept. 27-28.
Fans visiting the Century Tour will be immersed in the excitement, history and energy that is Canadian hockey. There will be a state-of-the-art interactive timeline of milestone hockey moments and artifacts, programs and activities for young hockey players and a chance to check out some of the neat hockey memorabilia from days gone by.
All levels of hockey in the city, from the local minor hockey association to the Corner Brook Royals, are expected to be on hand for the Century Tour to celebrate the anniversary. Local minor hockey association presidents in communities throughout western Newfoundland are being invited to celebrate the occasion and fans of the game from all over this neck of the woods are encouraged to check out everything the tour offers.
During the tour, at a time yet to be determined, there will be a Canadian Tire Hero of Play award handed out to a Corner Brook hockey volunteer. The Hero of Play award is designed to celebrate the ‘behind-the-scenes’ individuals who contribute to the success of sport in Canada. One hero will be recognized at each of the community stops.
The winner of the award has been notified, but the identity of the person is kept under wraps until the presentation is made during the tour stop. Only those serving on the selection committee know who the winner is.
“This person gives so much people don’t know half of what he does,” selection committee member and minor hockey president Cara-Leigh Wyllie said of the individual who will be presented with the award.
Hockey Canada hopes the local community will not only check out the Century Tour, but give a helping hand during the two days in the city. Volunteers are required for Sept. 30 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. and again Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Local hockey fans who can volunteer for either day can contact Wyllie at [email protected].
