Hockey Day a success for Kamloops
KAMLOOPS — Stompin’ Tom Connors may have said it best. “The good old hockey game is the best game you can name.” Over four days in early February, hockey fans in Kamloops proved the lyric true, as they came out in droves to support the variety of events put on as part of ScotiaBank’s Hockey Day in Canada.
It all kicked off Wednesday in Sun Peaks, as the Stanley Cup arrived in style, coming down off the mountain, and greeted by a number of Stanley Cup champions. There was the luncheon on Thursday, attended by 1200 hockey fans, as well as a number of school visits, photos ops, and hockey clinics throughout the week. Chair of the local organizing committee, Jim Rose said the response from the community has been outstanding. “Kamloops is THE hockey town,” said Rose, “We’re just overwhelmed with the support and the comments we’re getting. It’s just good to see [the community] come out and support [Hockey Day in Canada].”
Tom Renney coached the Kamloops Blazers for two seasons, winning 101 games, while losing just 37. After winning the Memorial Cup in 1992, he went on coach the National Team and several NHL clubs. Now President of Hockey Canada, Renney remembers his time in Kamloops fondly. “It’s a great environment,” Renney said, when asked about Kamloops’ love of hockey. “Clearly anyone that’s played here or coached here know’s that, and when you’ve had the good fortune to win, you know that even more.”