Archive for the ‘hockey’ Category
Canucks Fever Is Sweeping Across Vancouver Island
At the end of May, 1994 I was a month away from graduating junior high school, desperately hopeful that my awful perm would disappear by summer and excitedly cheering on the Vancouver Canucks alongside my brother and my dad. BC’s hockey team was on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since I was in diapers.
Sadly the Canucks were defeated by the New York Rangers but 17 years later, the Vancouver Canucks are once again preparing to engage in battle for Lord Stanley’s Cup. The only difference is that this time they’ll be bringing the Cup home! Though parties are breaking out on the streets of downtown Vancouver on a regular basis, fans on Vancouver Island are feeling the fever just the same…
Campbell River – The famous “Big Rock” on the shores south of Campbell River have become even more noticeable after local resident Steven Ordano constructed a Canuck-shuk made of local driftwood and resembling hockey hero Roberto Luongo. Visitors to Campbell River will have no doubt that the seaside city is bursting with Canucks fans!
Nanaimo – With Finals tickets averaging over $900 – each – families are looking for more affordable and family -friendly ways to catch the games. The Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association was recently proud to announce that Playoff games will be broadcast on a big screen at Diana Krall Plaza. Game 1 kicks off on Wednesday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. Bleachers and outhouses will be available but spectators are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and lawn chairs. [DNBIA Online]
Victoria – Canucks fans in Victoria can be a part of social media history this evening as three local mega fans – Alex Hodgson, Jeff Thompson and Chika Murugiah – are creating a tribute video for their beloved NHL team. Don your Canucks gear and head to Sopranos Bar & Grill at 730 Caledonia Avenue to show your support. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
Is your Island community sharing the excitement over the Vancouver Canucks’ run for the Cup? Let me know and I’ll post the event here!
Hockey For Life Fundraiser
Exciting action on the ice will be taking over Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo this weekend with the Hockey For Life charity game. Alumni from the Vancouver Canucks will be squaring off against the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) Emergency Department hockey team to raise funds in this hotly anticipated game.
An event that’s fun for the entire family, all proceeds will benefit the NRGH’s Emergency Expansion Campaign and BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. The puck drops this Saturday, February 5th and tickets can be purchased for $20 each. Grab yours at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation office (102-1801 Bowen Rd), SportChek at Woodgrove Mall, E-Zone Embroidery (3 – 1925 Bowen Road) or Artfitterz (15 – 1925 Bowen Road).
To learn more about the NRGH’s Emergency Expansion Campaign, visit the campaign online or track the progress on Twitter.
Could Vancouver Island Be Home To Kraft Hockeyville 2011?
It’s no secret that Canadians are passionate about hockey. We’re raised to be stick toting, puck chasing, goal cheering fans whether we play the game or not. From the bantam level to the NHL, it’s Canada’s sport and we don’t let anyone forget it!
Photo: Banff Lake Louise on Flickr
Each year Kraft Canada kicks off the NHL season with a little friendly competition between communities, allowing towns across this great country of ours the opportunity to win up to $100,000 for arena upgrades. There are also prizes of $25,000 for four runner up communities.
Vancouver Island is home to more arenas than you can shake a stick at, so it seems to me that naming one of our Island’s communities as Kraft Hockeyville would be a no-brainer. If you want to give your town a shot at winning the grand prize, simply log in at Kraft Hockeyville Online to nominate your community. Nominations must also include a short essay (maximum 4,000 characters) and between one and three accompanying photos showing your town’s hockey spirit. As in past years, a handful of NHL players have signed on to represent as ambassadors. Vancouver Island and the Pacific region are being represented this year by Calgary Flames forward Brendan Morrison!
Entering communities have until January 30, 2011 to submit their application. The top ten communities will be announced on March 8, 2011 on the CBC’s Kraft Hockeyville show before viewers can vote on the five winning communities. In addition to the generous cash prizes, the top community will also win a 2011/12 NHL® pre-season game played at their local arena plus a special CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast from their community! Get your entries in now!
Find Kraft Hockeyville on Facebook or follow the event on Twitter.