CBC’s annual Hockey Day in Canada goes Eastward this year and stops in the country’s tiniest province of Prince Edward Island. There will be plenty of activities throughout the days leading up to the celebration of Canada’s Game on February 11, 2012. And of course, there will be games involving Canadian teams throughout the day on CBC. Ron MacLean will host and Don Cherry will bring his entire array of suits and ties. More details will be announced later, but here’s your first look at what will take place next year.
BIG NEWS FROM CANADA’S SMALLEST PROVINCE: HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA ON CBC TO BE HELD IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND FOR 12th ANNUAL CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2012
For the first time in its 12-year history, HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA on CBC will be heading across the Confederation Bridge to the province of Prince Edward Island this winter. Host Ron MacLean will broadcast live from PEI for the first time, alongside the legendary Don Cherry on Saturday, February 11, 2012. The province will host a series of local weeklong activities and events celebrating the game leading up to the big day.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing this celebration to the province of Prince Edward Island,” said Joel Darling, director of production for CBC Sports. “Hockey is truly a Canadian passion, shared equally among players and fans from our biggest cities to the tiniest communities, so we think it’s especially appropriate to be taking Hockey Day in Canada to the cradle of Confederation, where the entire province can share in the experience.
PEI has a rich hockey history, having produced the likes of Brad Richards, Adam McQuaid, Steve Ott, Gerard Gallant, Rick Vaive, Allan MacAdam, Bob Whitlock, Charlie Cahill, Clarence J. “Windy” Steele, Forbes Kennedy, Errol Thompson and William Stewart (Billy) MacMillan, to name just a few. Notably, PEI has 27 rinks provincewide, the most per capita in Canada.
HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA’S 12th annual broadcast on February 11 marks the continuation of an important Canadian hockey tradition. Winner of three Gemini Awards, it was recognized for Best Sports Program (2004) and Best Host in a Sports Program (Ron MacLean in 2004 and 2006). Previous host locations include Whitehorse, YT (2011), Stratford, Ont. (2010), Campbellton, N.B. (2009); Winkler, Man. (2008); Nelson, B.C. (2007); Stephenville, Nfld. (2006); Shaunavon, Sask. (2004); Iqualuit, Nunavut (2003); Windsor, N.S. (2002); Red Deer, Alta. (2001); and Toronto, Ont. (2000).
“This is a big day for our province. Hockey Day in Canada 2012 will bring together a partnership led by Hockey PEI along with the Province of PEI, the City of Charlottetown and the City of Summerside to host the event. The local organizing committee looks forward to hosting this celebration of the game with the people of Prince Edward Island,” stated Hockey PEI executive director Rob Newson, representing the local organizing committee. “This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the game of hockey on PEI, a chance to celebrate the past, the present and the future of the game in our province. And, of course, to welcome Ron MacLean and Don Cherry and the CBC crew to celebrate with us.”
The wall-to-wall hockey celebration is an annual tradition featuring all six Canadian NHL teams in action across the country (match ups and times to be announced at a later date).
HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA will also be available live and on-demand at CBCSports.ca.
That will be it for now.
