Amid a flurry of Hockey Day in Canada events going on in the snow-filled capital, the sport’s most sought-after prize made a visit to the Songhees Wellness Centre on Thursday (Jan. 18).
With the Stanley Cup making one of its many appearances during the hockey festivities running in Victoria between Jan. 17 and 20, Thursday’s attendees lined up to touch, kiss and get their photo taken with the trophy.
Before the cup arrived at the centre’s gymnasium, longtime Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean addressed a crowd alongside local First Nation officials. The inclusion of the Indigenous culture has become a vital part of Hockey Day in Canada, the broadcaster said.
In his usual storytelling ways, MacLean recounted the prominent Indigenous leaders he’s leaned on for advice over the years, evoking names like Murray Sinclair, Chief Willie Littlechild and Olympic medalist Angela Chalmers, a former Victoria resident.
MacLean also invited young local hockey players to speak about their stories as he highlighted ISPARC Team B.C.’s Alexandra Nelson, Victoria Cougars player Ben Brant and Victoria Royals defenceman and Arizona Coyotes draft pick Justin Kipkie.
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