Editorial: Time to celebrate

It’s here. Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, the celebration of our nation’s and province’s favourite game is taking place this week in Corner Brook and it’s something you won’t want to miss.

You don’t like hockey? So what. This is about just as much about a community celebrating a segment of itself as it is about sports.

Corner Brook’s history with hockey predates a time when the four communities came together as one. Then, in 1935 the Herder family offered up a trophy to the best hockey team in the province. In the two-game total-goal tournament, the local team bested the St. John’s Guard 5-2. That was the start of a storied history of senior hockey in the city, one that peaked in 1986 (so far) with the winning of the Allan Cup as the nation’s best senior hockey team.

If you have a look at some of the city’s finest players, you’ll see names like Doug Grant, Joe Lundrigan and Jason King who all made appearances in the NHL, the world’s best league.

The victories of senior hockey and of the truly elite may dwarf other accomplishments but everyday wins in minor hockey have even more impact on the community. Think about all the kids who learned the value of teamwork, or the camaraderie of a group of friends, or working together to accomplish a task and, especially, how to deal with loss. Hockey — and sports in general — shape how many kids grow up and help mould the personalities of the adults they become when it's their turn to give back to the community.

If you get a chance, take in some of the week's festivities, even if you’re not a sports lover.

Let’s follow the lead of organizers in their pursuit to make this exclusive to all.

“Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is about much more than just the game of hockey — it’s about coming together as a community.”

Let’s show the nation how Corner Brook celebrates one of its favourite pastimes.