Volunteers needed to help make Hockey Day In Canada a success
An estimated 350 to 400 volunteers will be needed in order to help make Swift Current’s upcoming Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada a success.
The 19th edition of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada runs on February 6 to 9, with a jam packed four days of events planned during the celebration of hockey.
Nicole Spenst, Event and Program Manager and Chris Keleher, Community Recreation Coordinator, provided an event update to Swift Current City Council at their January 14 meeting.
The actual day of Hockey Day in Canada on Saturday, February 9 is one of the major events which is currently in need of both attendance support and volunteer support.
Riverdene Park will host a day long Outdoor Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the location will serve as the backdrop of Sportsnet’s live broadcast location for Ron Maclean.
“We’re going to kick off the event at 11 a.m. with a special Stanley Cup presentation celebration coming into the park. So we’re encouraging everyone to be there at 11 a.m., but there’s a ton of activities happening throughout the day,” Spenst told council on Monday.
Attractions at Riverdene Park include a main stage with different acts and performers, NHL alumni autograph sinings, plus hockey alumni hot stove events at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. There will also be kid friendly events such as sleigh rides, winter carnival activities, along with Calgary Flames and Sportsnet activation tents, and photos with the Stanley Cup.
“So we’re really encouraging everyone to come out to that free family festival on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
As there is limited parking at Riverdene Park, they are encouraging people to take a frequently running shuttle from the Innovation Credit Union iplex to access these activities. This shuttle service runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We are still looking for volunteers for that outdoor festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. So if you have one or two hours that you’re willing to spare, and you’re going to be at the site anyway, we would love to have you there sharing in that experience with us.”
Also newly announced is a Paint The Town initiative to promote Hockey Day In Canada. Local businesses are encouraged to help generate excitement for the event by decorating their stores and offices with a Hockey Day in Canada theme. The City is working with the local Scotiabank branch to provide schedule of events, decals, tent cards, and save the date cards for interested businesses.
One of the marquis events of the four day event will be the The Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada VIP Broncos Alumni and Celebrity Classic hockey game on Friday, February 8. Game tickets are available at The Stable for the 7:30 p.m. contest at the Innovation Credit Union iplex.
The grand finale of the event will be held during the evening of Saturday, February 9, when the Broncos host the Saskatoon Blades in a rematch of the 1989 Memorial Cup final. The Broncos will be wearing special jerseys for this contest.
More information, or to volunteer, contact City Hall at 306-7782787 or visit the City website at swiftcurrent.ca/hockeyday for a full schedule of activities.