Hockey day in GA a fulfilling experience

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Whenever a current or former NHLer comes to your community the excitement always rises, and that is what happened at the sixth annual Hockey Day in GA on Feb. 7.
Canada’s game was being played proudly by many young Pond Hockey League players as they had smiles on their faces all day despite the colder weather.
The day consisted of a lot of hockey being played, whether it was playing on the freshly flooded outdoor arena, split ice games on the indoor rink or playing ball hockey on the frozen pavement.
One of the highlights of the day was having former Calgary Flames defencemen Dana Murzyn skate with young kids during a game of shinny.
The 14-season veteran enjoyed every moment of the day and to connect with the kids was special for him.
“I haven’t been out to Gleichen to do it. I’ve done hockey days in Cold Lake and different places around Alberta,” said Murzyn. “It’s been great, lots of kids having a lot of fun and that’s what hockey is all about. I always think the biggest thing that gets overlooked is what a great game it is and you don’t have to play for a living to enjoy it.”
He felt that it brings a sense of community to the area and is a great way to build character.
“I think it reinforces to the kids that it doesn’t matter what level you’re playing at or you’re playing against or what you’re doing, you can have fun and build character through sport and community,” said Murzyn.
He accredits a lot of the community involvement to the work of the Flames Alumni Association.
“We’ve got a real strong alumni group in Calgary and a lot of guys do the charity work in the communities and support hockey,” said Murzyn.
According to organizers, the day ran smoothly and hats go off to the staff, and mainly the kids, for coming out and enjoying the experience.
“I talked to the kids throughout the day and so far they’ve unanimously said (they’re) having a great day,” said Celeste Pirie, Hockey Day in GA coordinator. “Our coaches are great, they don’t force those little guys to stay out there for the whole hour, that’s one of our flexibilities is about the kids, having fun.”
She really hoped that the day would provide a sense of what Canadian culture is all about.
“It’s woven into our cultural DNA, so just to give them a foothold on that is what we’re really aiming for,” said Pirie.