THUNDER BAY – It’s no secret Thunder Bay is a hockey obsessed town.
Next month, as a stop on the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour, the city gets to show that passion for Canada’s favourite frozen pastime on a national stage.
“Thunder Bay is a hockey town,” said city special events developer Paul Burke at a media conference held Tuesday afternoon at the Prince Arthur’s Landing skating rink.
“Obviously our history of having NHLers from this area and the region is well-documented but this will give us the chance to show the country what Thunder Bay is about from a hockey stand point as well as to show off this great venue.”
The celebration will be held on Jan. 2 and 3 at the waterfront venue, complete with appearances by NHL alumni, such as Thunder Bay native Greg Johnson, and numerous events surrounding the pre-game show and outdoor viewing party for the Ottawa Senators vs. Chicago Blackhawks contest on Jan. 3, which will be played at the United Center in Chicago.
The-pregame show will be broadcasted live on Rogers Sportsnet and hosted by the iconic Ron MacLean from their mobile studio.
The event will include interactive experiences and games, firework display and a ball hockey rink.
A special local twist to the stop will include the return of the Allan Cup, the trophy rewarded annually to the top senior men’s hockey team in the country.
The prize has been won by a Thunder Bay team on 10 occasions, the most of any city in Canada. The city’s last triumph came in 2005 when the Thunder Bay Bombers proved doubters wrong and marched to the title.
Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame executive director Diane Imrie said the trophy has a special history in the city.
“In the 1920s when the Port Arthur seniors brought it home on the train schools were closed, pulp mills were closed, everything was closed and everybody came down to welcome them home. It was really a great part of our history,” she said.
“Then with the Thunder Bay Twins, people will remember that Drive for Five when they won the championship in 1975 and then four times in the 1980s and then the Bombers won it in 2005. We’re hoping to have a lot of players down to meet the public, to get their picture taken and have a reunion.”
The festivities will kick off on Dec. 20 when minor hockey teams were encouraged to go to Prince Arthur’s Landing at 1 p.m. in their jerseys and team colours where photos and videos will be taken for the national broadcast.
