Hometown Hockey details announced
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg is pleased to announce that the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour (presented by Scotiabank and Hyundai) is just one month away from arriving in Cobourg for a celebration of the beloved sport Jan. 4 and 5 at Cobourg's West Harbour.
Located at 103 Third St. in the marina parking lot between Third Street and Hibernia Street, this site has been chosen for the big festival weekend. Hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone will be on-site for the free festival, featuring a weekend of live entertainment, NHL alumni and hockey-themed activities that will wrap up for a live outdoor viewing part of an NHL broadcast from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio.
The town's press release included a list of confirmed NHL alumni and special guests who will be present.
Darcy Tucker is a Canadian former professional ice-hockey player, most of whose NHL career was with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Shayne Corson is a Canadian former professional ice-hockey player, whose NHL career was spent with with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens.
Steve Smith is a retired Canadian professional ice-hockey player defenceman who was in the NHL from 1984-85 to 2000-2001. He was a defenceman and is current coach of the Buffalo Sabres.
Gord Brooks is a Canadian former professional ice-hockey right winger who played parts of three seasons in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals.
Jim Hughson is a Canadian sportscaster best know for his play-by-play of NHL and Toronto Blue Jays baseball games. Since 2008, he has been the lead play-by-play announcer for Hockey Night In Canada.
Chris Johnston is in his 14th season covering the NHL and his fifth season with Sportsnet. His career began with the Canadian Press, and he has covered 10 Stanley Cup finals and two Olympics.
Citizens are invited to enoy the free events leading up to the festival weekend, starting with a School Rally Friday, Jan. 3, at 1:45 p.m. Gather at the Cobourg Community Centre (750 D'Arcy St.) in the parking lot for a free rally with the Steve Goodtime Rockin' Hockey Show (a world-renowned hockey acrobat).
Also on Friday, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., the CCC is the site for a Mayor & Rogers Hometown Hockey Community Skate in both the Bowl and Pond areas. Bring a non-perishable item for the local food bank, wear your favourite jersey, and warm up with some free hot chocolate.
Saturday brings in the live music and entertainment, NHL alumni, giveaways and prizes, and activities (such as CNL Hardest Shot, Sportsnet Accuracy Shooter and Playmobil Kids Zone).
The Parade of Champions on Sunday leads up the live NHL broadcast, and all community groups are encouraged to register. It takes place at 6 p.m., beginning and ending at the Cobourg West Harbour, with everyone meeting up at 5:45 p.m. at the Esplanade. Anyone can participate – just sign up at www.Cobourg.ca, wear your favourite jersey and purchase a Cobourg toque.
These special hats have been created to celebrate the Hometown Hockey visit. Proceeds will go to KidSport Northumberland, who provide financial support to under-resourced children and youth aged 18 and under by removing financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sports.
Cobourg is one of 25 stops Sportsnet and the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour (now in its sixth season) will make across Canada to celebrate the local hockey stories that connect the nation. Each will be broadcast live from these host communities on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW.
The complete event schedule, plus parking and free-shuttle information, can be found at www.cobourg.ca.
