DELTA — What began as an idea to keep everyone close to home to celebrate Hockey Day in Canada has grown into an event that will give national exposure to South Delta Minor Hockey.
The association will be the official west coast location for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada on Saturday, Feb. 14 with the Ladner Leisure Cente being home to a live remote national broadcast.
The Corporation of Delta and Rogers have teamed up with the SDMHA for what promises to be the biggest single-day event in the history of minor hockey in South Delta. Several teams with North Delta Minor Hockey Association will also be part of the action that day.
"Like many cities in Canada, Delta is a proud hockey town featuring teams and enthusiasts of all ages," said Mayor Louis Jackson. "We are so pleased to host Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada in our community, and are thrilled to provide suchan amazing event and unique opportunity for our local hockey players and fans."
The day will kick off with a free pancake breakfast, live music and the grand reopening of the newly renovated LCC. The South Delta Recreational Centre and Tilbury Arena will also host games and on-ice activities.
Every game will have "a big league" feel to it with live national anthems and rink announcers.
North Delta Minor Hockey Association will be providing competition for the rep teams, as well as some additional recreational-level games.
Produced by Rogers, the Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada all-day broadcast on CBC will include live celebrations from Delta, featuring Sportsnet Central host James Cybulski.
Fans will have the chance to meet and get their picture taken with Vancouver Canucks alumni, Kirk McLean. The event will also celebrate athletes who grew up playing sports in South Delta and went on to great careers in and out of sport.
Delta Optimist