Hockey Day in Canada will be a memorable event

“Of course the bus crash is something that we knew we would have to cover, and then the 30th anniversary of them winning the Memorial Cup, so that was something that was really positive to look at as well. And then when the crash happened in Humboldt, it almost felt right to be here and to be able to come up with the theme of courage and talk about things both on and off the ice,” Darling said.

“Obviously so much has happened since then, and I can think of no better place for us to be in Swift Current and in Saskatchewan in 2019.”

“Our theme this year is courage. Of all the shows that we’ve done over the years, I can’t think of a theme that is more appropriate for this year’s show. And we will tell stories about courage from Swift Current to Humboldt to across the country, and how the game of hockey does shape our lives everyday.”

Broadcaster Ron Maclean appeared by video conference to share his perspective of the importance of Hockey Day in Canada, having participated in all 19 editions of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada.

“Obviously, the whole week is a festival of music and goodwill,” he explained.

Maclean, who was last in Swift Current in 2016 during Hometown Hockey, vividly remembers attending a Broncos game during his visit to the community.

“I remember going to the game and Maxime Lajoie, who’s been doing so well for the Ottawa Senators this year, I saw him set up Tyler Steenbergen for the first goal of the game that night when we were out there in 2016.”

Maclean said the courageous stories they share during Hockey Day in Canada will help properly celebrate the sport.

“I really feel like we’re going to not dampen the mood at all. We’re going to heighten the mood by honouring first responders, honouring medical professionals. We always think we are playing the games of our lives, but it’s those folks who do that.”

Swift Current Mayor Denis Perrault said the upcoming event will be a showcase of the importance of hockey in the community.

“Being selected as the host community for this year’s Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is a genuine honour and it’s really a privilege,” he said.

“For me, and for our family, hockey is life in Swift Current.

SCOTT ANDERSON/SOUTHWEST BOOSTER Joel Darling, Executive Producer of NHL Special Events for Sportsnet surprises Swift Current Mayor Denis Perrault with a personalized Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada jersey during a schedule inveiling on December 5.