Stanley Cup and Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada 2017 skate into Kenora, Ontario
Hockey on Lake of the Woods, and breakfast with the Stanley Cup possible as part of event
Kenora's long tradition with the country's favourite winter sport made the Ontario city the top choice for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada 2017, says Joel Darling, the executive producer of NHL Special Events for Rogers.
The community has produced many Stanley Cup winners, including Mike Richards who hoisted the cup in 2012 and 2014 with the Los Angeles Kings.
It has been considered as a location for the event for years, said Darling. But what tipped the balance this time was the fact Kenora's relationship with the legendary trophy goes back to the days before the National Hockey League existed. It goes back to a time when amateur teams played on outdoor rinks for the honour of claiming Lord Stanley's mug.
"The one thing that really put the icing on the cake was the history of the Kenora Thistles and the fact they won the Stanley Cup back in 1907," said Darling.
The NHL is marking its 100th anniversary in 2017, and the overarching theme of the season will be history and tradition. "I couldn't think of a better place to go to than the smallest in Canada that ever won the Stanley Cup," he said.
Kenora, which is about 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, is situated on the shores of Lake of the Woods, a perfect spot for skating in the winter.
"We like to be outside," said Darling, adding they hope to have host Ron MacLean, and other avid hockey players, chase the puck on Safety Bay.
"All things being equal, I hope it's beautiful day. Maybe -5. I don't know if that's possible, but the sun out and a great frozen lake."
Organizing for the Saturday Feb. 18, 2017 event is still in the early stages but there are plans for a community breakfast with the Stanley Cup, special school visits and hockey clinics with alumni.