Just when I think I’m out of the hockey loop for at least a month, this village comes back with something as big and successful as the Hockey Day in Canada celebration held at the arena.
I mean, we just had all this hockeyville jazz go through, wouldn’t you folks be tired by now? But no, this town once again proved its commitment with a great showing at the arena.
Seriously though, I did expect there to be a good amount of people show up, but did I expect a bunch of street hockey games, kids and parents alike, with multiple teams and actually playing competitively?
Kind of. But not to that degree.
Let me break it down for those that don’t know. Just so there’s some clarity about where I’m coming from.
Friday night there was the fundraiser hockey game featuring the old timers and the Nakusp midget rep team.
Saturday morning there was the Kootenay Wildcats (featuring our own girls, Shea Weighill and Jessica Carter!)
Outside of the arena was a massive barbeque and a section of the lot held off for street hockey. And this is where things got interesting, because there was a massive snowfall the night before.
With adults slopping through the mud, splashing puddles with their feet and sticks as they passed and shot the orange rubber ball around like it was nothing, I was really impressed with their perseverance.
Even in the sloppiest of conditions, the villagers here just shrugged and said, “Meh,” and picked up some brooms to shove away the slush.
That’s awesome.
It brought back memories of myself as a kid in Burnaby playing street hockey with my friends and family in the complex I lived in.
Since we lived in the Lower Mainland, there was rain 10 out of 12 months, so we made due with the rain and slop too.
Watching these games with all these adults and kids really brought on a wave of nostalgia, and I almost felt like a kid again.
I guess what it all comes down to is I admire this village’s integrity and ability to make the best out of a seemingly bad situation. It’s like there are folks here always looking for the silver lining.
I remember walking by and looking at a man brushing away the snow as best he could before one of the games.
I looked over at the person standing next to me and they looked back and said, “Well, at least it’s not raining right now. That’s a plus.”
That pretty much sums up the outlook of everyone during the winter carnival this weekend.
Now this upcoming weekend is looking a bit more calm when it comes to hockey, but I’m not letting myself get comfortable in that just yet.
Before I know it, there will be another rally or major event going on in the next couple weeks, and I’ll be there happily going on for the ride.
And while I’m at it, since there are people who have been wondering when the Hockeyville stuff will come back: The announcement happens on March 8 at 9 p.m. on CBC.
Be sure to tune in, because I have a good feeling about our chances.
Thanks for a great weekend, Nakusp.