The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Whether you live in a small rural town or a big city neighbourhood, there is nothing that brings Canadians closer together than the game of hockey. The familiar sound of skates scraping over the ice or a puck cracking off a stick can be heard from Newfoundland clear through to British Columbia, particularly at this time of the year. Those living beyond our borders may think they can find the heart and soul of Canada's sport at a National Hockey League game. But Canadians, especially CBC's Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean, know different. "Hockey's heart and soul lies right in the middle of our communities," said MacLean. "From backyard rinks to local arenas Ð that is where you will find Canada's true passion for hockey." MacLean possibly knows more about our game at the grassroots level than any other Canadian. As host of CBC's Hockey Day in Canada, MacLean has travelled to remote locations such as Iqualuit, Nunavut and Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. "Having the opportunity to visit these wonderful communities is a great privilege," said MacLean, "It is remarkable to see how villages and towns from coast to coast to coast embrace the game of hockey. It never ceases to amaze me." CBC's Hockey Day in Canada has been paying tribute to our great frozen game since 2000. The celebration includes a 13.5 hour long broadcast on CBC where individuals and communities share their hockey stories on a national stage, along with coverage of Canadian NHL and amateur hockey games. There are also special community events and contests which can be found online at cbc.ca/hockeyday. This year's celebration takes place on January 7, 2006 and MacLean is challenging all Canadians to participate: "Hockey Day in Canada has become an unofficial holiday for Canadian hockey fans everywhere. It is important that we take one day to gather our friends and family together to pay tribute to our wonderful game." So, the next time someone asks, "What are you doing for Hockey Day?", MacLean has provided the following 10 tips on how to celebrate on Jan. 7, 2006: 1. Organize a game of shinny at your backyard rink, neighbourhood street or community arena. 2. Work on your shot with your mother, father, son, daughter, sister or brother. 3. Give Mom and/or Dad the day off and tie your own skates! 4. Watch a minor hockey league game at your local arena. 5. Make a donation to your local minor hockey association. 6. Volunteer at a community hockey tournament. 7. Teach a friend how to skate. 8. Organize a community Hockey Day in Canada party. 9. Participate in an online chat with Don Cherry and Kelly Hrudey or share your plans for Hockey Day with everyone across the country at cbc.ca/hockeyday 10. Gather your friends and family together to watch CBC's Hockey Day in Canada. Hockey fans can catch Ron MacLean hosting CBC's Hockey Day in Canada on CBC Television on January 7, 2006 beginning at 12 p.m. ET.
