Hometown Hockey’s stop in Kamloops is fast approaching.
Ron MacLean is headed back to the Tournament Capital to host the Sunday night Sportsnet broadcast from outside Sandman Centre on Jan. 14, and leading up to the outdoor viewing party is an entire weekend of festivities for hockey fans.
MacLean was last in Kamloops for Hockey Day in Canada, which was hosted by the city in 2016.
Similar to the 2016 event, festivities next weekend will include free hockey-themed activities, games, prize-giveaways, food and live entertainment, plus meet-and-greet opportunities with NHL alum Robyn Regehr.
The two-day Hometown Hockey festival will begin Saturday, Jan. 13, running from noon to 6 p.m. at Sandman Centre. On Sunday, the festival opens again at noon and will conclude following the live viewing party.
The Sunday broadcast kicks off with a special pre-game show hosted live on site by MacLean and Tara Slone beginning at 3:30 p.m. followed by a showdown between the Vancouver Canucks and the Minnesota Wild.
The broadcast from Kamloops will feature special guests, including Blazers goaltender Dylan Ferguson, three-time Stanley Cup champion and Kamloops alumnus Mark Recchi, and Tom Gaglardi, Dallas Stars owner and majority owner of the Kamloops Blazers.
Here are some of the things you can expect to see at Sandman Centre during the hockey bash:
- Rogers Fan Hub: featuring innovative and interactive experiences, showcasing virtual autographs from NHL stars, a hockey-themed Zamboni video game and autograph signings with NHL alum Robyn Regehr. Free hot chocolate on site.
- GamePlus: If you are a Rogers customer you can go to the GamePlus desk in the Rogers Fan Hub and redeem exclusive experiences such as meet-and-greets with NHL alumni, autographed merchandise and tours of our Sportsnet Mobile Studio.
- Sportsnet Augmented Reality Photo Booth: Fans have the chance to get close to their favourite players through augmented reality technology.
- The Hockey Circus Show: Come see Paz, the world-renowned hockey acrobat! Paz juggles everything from pucks to flaming hockey sticks all while standing on top of a net.
- Dodge Family Zone: Featuring the Stow ’n Go Challenge, a hockey-themed obstacle course.
- Tim Hortons Ball Hockey Rink presented by Sportsnet: Features pick-up games for the community, including local Timbits Hockey players.
- Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Pizzeria: Fans can enjoy a free slice of Giuseppe Pizzeria pizza fresh out of the oven, and play the Find Giuseppe Match Game to win a rooftop experience and other prizes.
- Playmobil Kids Zone: Fans have the chance to face off against friends and family with the PLAYMOBIL NHL Arena and its lineup of NHL figures.
- OK Tire Zamboni Pit Stop: Features a pit-crew-like experience where fans have the opportunity to test their tire-changing skills on a replica Zamboni.
- Live Local Entertainment: Live music featured throughout the weekend beginning with Lisa Nicole performing on Saturday followed by Lindsay May on Sunday.
Kamloops is on of 24 communities across Canada hosting Hometown Hockey this season.
