You don’t even have to be a die hard hockey fan to appreciate what a special event this is, and coming back to us for the 100th edition no less!
Working in the media I’ve had the great fortune to have met and interviewed my share of sports greats. That includes legends like Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Hull and Rod Seiling. I’ve even reported from the Edmonton Oilers locker room!! (post Gretzky)  One thing I always took away from those meetings, was how professional and just, nice, these players were to a young reporter who was just learning reporting. Gordie Howe put me at ease right away. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Cathy, I have a daughter named Cathy.” (Thank you for being SO sweet Mr. Howe!)
The fan adoration is another thing that’s special about hockey. There’s always so much joy and excitement around meeting the players. It’s really something. The interviews I’ve done have often happened around fan encounters where people were clamouring to meet their favourites. What a privilege to be the one to sit down and spend time talking to, and getting to know these sports heroes. That has never been lost on me.
This weekend, come down and take in this travelling festival of hockey, meet some hockey stars and make some memories with the kids. See you at Budweiser Gardens Satruday and/or Sunday! NHL’ers Dave Bolland and Shayne Corson will be doing meet and greets, lots of free hockey-themed activities for young and old, a community hockey rink, food a virtual photo booth and more.
For more information: HometownHockey.com
By the way, if you could meet your all time hockey favourite past or present, who would it be? Please, post a comment on the Facebook link to this blog.

Filed under: Budweiser Gardens, Hometown Hockey