Rogers Hometown Hockey: ‘It’s all about the kids!’

Glace Bay residents are pumped about hosting Rogers Hometown Hockey. 

Therese MacAdam
Kicker

Flashing the best shades of red, Glace Bay will “Paint the Town Red” for local NHL hockey celebrities such as Alex Tanguay and Paul MacLean.

Alex Tanguay is a retired NHL great and Stanley Cup winner who previously played for the Halifax Mooseheads.

Paul MacLean is a former coach of the Anaheim Ducks, who had previously been an accomplished NHL player, most notably with the Winnipeg Jets.

But the stars are just part of the story of Hometown Hockey.

“It’s all about the kids,” said hockey coach Nicky Bonnar, and giving them “a little history lesson” about the town and the sport of hockey. One of the hockey matches will be broadcast live in front of the historic Old Town Hall Museum with Ron MacLean, Tara Slone and a special live performance by The Trews.

The Old Town Hall in Glace Bay was built between 1902 and 1903. It officially opened as a town hall in September 1903, just two years after Glace Bay was incorporated as a town in 1901. It now houses historical artifacts about the town.

Bayitforward, an organization in the community fostering community economic development opportunities, says Roger’s Hometown Hockey is “a huge opportunity for the town to showcase Glace Bay to a national audience.”

The festivities take place Nov. 10 through until November 11, Remembrance Day. There will be fun games for the kids, meet-and-greets, as well as a street dance party on Commercial Street, the main street in the downtown core. Click here to download a schedule.

“It’s a big deal to have it in Glace Bay,” said Hockey enthusiast and coach Neal MacDonald. . .”Kids will be excited to see Tanguay and MacLean.”

Local resident Darren McInnis is hopeful the spotlight on Glace Bay will benefit the community in the long run.

“Our hockey history is something to be proud of, and it is positive media exposure which brings in dollars by the way of tourists who normally stick to the Cabot Trail.”

Rogers Hometown Hockey is no stranger to Cape Breton. It was once broadcast live from the Sydney harbourfront district, only about 20 minutes from Glace Bay. BayItForward says the positive experience influenced Rogers decision to come back to Cape Breton.

No matter who is asked in the town, the unanimous opinion seems to be that Rogers Hometown Hockey is a “huge deal” for the town and its residents. Businesses and homeowners will decorate their houses and shops in red for the two-day experience – therefore “painting the town red.”

Hockey heroes will descend on a small town at the edge of the universe. The town itself will shine with glowing hearts full of pride for their national appearance.