Hometown Hockey making pit stop in Strathmore

By Christine Foshaug Times Contributor

The Family Centre is the place to be on Dec. 21 and 22, when the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour stops in Strathmore for a two-day event.
Back in the spring, staff at the Town of Strathmore applied to host Hometown Hockey, which is touted as “the ultimate NHL fan experience.”
There will be numerous family-friendly activities for hockey fans all weekend long, culminating in a live broadcast of the Sunday night Calgary Flames-Dallas Stars game from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio.
Sportsnet hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone will be on hand for the festival, and game intermissions will feature interviews and activities from the Strathmore event.
“We’re anticipating a lot of people from around Strathmore coming to town to participate in the festival, and that will translate into an economic injection for our local businesses,” explained mayor Pat Fule. “This event really is a big deal, for Strathmore and for Wheatland County.”
Saturday’s activities will start at noon and run until 6 p.m. Activities on Sunday will also start at noon and run until the end of the outdoor viewing party.
Throughout the weekend, hockey fans will be able to enjoy games, prize giveaways, live entertainment and fun activities for the whole family.
At the Rogers Fan Hub, you’ll be able to test your stickhandling, get an autograph from NHL alumnus Matt Stajan and enjoy some free popcorn. Or try your hand at the Sportsnet Shooting Accuracy Game, where players of all ages can demonstrate their hockey skills with a chance to win prizes.
You won’t want to miss world-renowned hockey acrobat Steve Goodtime, who puts on a rockin’ hockey show complete with fire, juggling, stunts and guitar solos. And don’t forget to hang out with NHL alumnus Mason Raymond at the Scotiabank Community Hockey Rink. Scotiabank will be donating $15,000 to local minor hockey associations in the surrounding area.
Author Lisa Bowes will be reading her children’s book Lucy Tries Hockey and there will be two live music performances, with the Mitch Belot Band playing on Saturday and Drew Gregory on Sunday.
Food will be provided by Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sobeys Community Barbecue, with funds raised going toward the Strathmore Wheatland Kings Junior Hockey Club.
The entire Sportsnet crew, including lighting, sound, filming and announcers, will be staying in town from Tuesday to Sunday, immersing themselves in the community.
“This festival will provide an intense boost to our economy and our community,” said Fule. “It will raise our profile and get our name out to the rest of Canada.”
If you’d like to be involved in the Hometown Hockey festival, Rogers is looking for people to help make the weekend a success. There are both paid and volunteer positions available. More information can be found at strathmore.ca.