Hockey Day in Canada Review

You know, if this show was done about any sport aside from hockey, it might have made me sick. But of course, it was all about grass-roots hockey in Canada and it sucked me in for the entire three-hour pre-show before the Red Wings and Maple Leafs game.

Islanders forward Jon Sim was home in New Glasgow, NS to hang out with some younger fans and talk about the NHLPA initiative called Goals and Dreams to give back to the game and community that has done so much for him. Jon has been involved in donating 75 sets of equipment to the kids in and around his hometown. Well done, Jon.

Here's a link to a story about the journey of Jon Sim from CBC Sports: Jon Sim

So, you know, I'd be lying if I didn't say that the show was a bit maudlin at times, but it is just so engaging and fun. It was exactly the kind of broadcast it needed to be to satisfy the hockey fans in the north and even those sympathizers here in the states.

There were some real standout stories too. I defy anyone not to think it was a little dusty in the room during the feature about kids who have special needs, the Icehounds. To see and hear stories about kids with disabilities getting a chance to feel like part of a team and to be with other kids who are in similar situations was pretty inspiring.

The journey of Bruins' forward Glen Metropolit from the mean streets of Toronto to be a NHL player was really well done. I got the feeling that Metropolit was never ashamed of how he grew up, but that the trials of his life are what made him a special man. The bonds in his family seemed even stronger than perhaps those might have been between players who had it a little easier growing up.

With remotes from all over the country, there were stories about the women's game, elderly players, rinks in small communities, and even interviews with two of Tim Horton's daughters. Even Don Cherry was on his best behavior!

The DVD is available for presale on the CBC website. It's definitely worth checking out if you live hockey. If you're reading this, you owe it to yourself.