Rogers Hometown Hockey skates back into Red Deer
September 10, 2019
There’s something about Canada’s game that brings a community together like nothing else can.
Maybe it’s the electricity surging through the building when the home team lights the lamp with just a few seconds left in overtime. Maybe it’s those frigid mornings, trudging through the snow in 30 below on the way to 5 a.m. practice. Or maybe it’s the countless Saturday nights spent in front of the TV with family and friends, humming along with that familiar Hockey Night in Canada theme song.
Whatever it is, that part of our DNA, that hockey heritage that forever binds Canadians to their national winter pastime, Red Deer and Central Alberta is about to get a major dose of it.
Rogers Hometown Hockey, the traveling community celebration of everything hockey, rolls into Red Deer this winter. The two-day festival features live entertainment, games, autograph sessions with former NHL stars, and of course the live broadcast during a National Hockey League game with veteran host and Red Deer native Ron McLean!
There are still a few details to be worked out, but here’s what we know so far:
- The Red Deer 2019 edition of Rogers Hometown Hockey will take place Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1.
- The event will be held in downtown Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza, next to Central Middle School (5205 48 Ave.).
- The live broadcast will feature the Boston Bruins hosting the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, December 1, on Sportsnet. Rogers Hometown Hockey hosts Ron McLean and Tara Slone will be broadcasting live from the plaza, in the Sportsnet Mobile Broadcast Studio. Make sure to set your PVR, you might just see yourself on TV!
This isn’t the first time the national broadcaster has brought its traveling hockey festival to Red Deer. In 2014, the Red Deer Arena (now Servus Arena) hosted Rogers Hometown Hockey, and last year Lacombe played host.
“We’re so excited to have Rogers Hometown Hockey back in Red Deer,” states Sarah Cockerill, Director of Community Services with The City of Red Deer. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate one of the things that makes us all Canadian, and it’s great national exposure for our city. The last time our community hosted the celebration it was a huge success, and this year we’re expecting an even bigger turnout.”
Average attendance for the two-day hockey celebration is more than 11,000 people and the event is expected to generate over $1 million for the local economy.
Mark Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, 2019 on your calendar for Rogers Hometown Hockey and watch for more details in the coming weeks!