Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur and a squad full of Vancouver Canuck fan favourites are coming to the Olympic Oval next month for the second annual Richmond Celebrates Hockey Day.
"All things hockey under one roof " will once again be the theme as a day-long festival of every hockey activity imaginable will be held under the Oval's iconic, 2-hectare pine-wood roof on Feb. 9.
Kicking off the new B.C. Family Day long weekend, a special appearance by Lafleur headlines this year's event. One of the most exciting players of his era, the hall-of-famer led the Canadiens to five Stanley Cup titles. Individually, he won the Art Ross three times and the Hart Trophy twice.
Another highlight will be an on-ice showdown between Vancouver Canucks and Richmond Sockeyes alumni teams. The game will feature many of the Canucks most popular players in the past 40 years.
For the second straight year, the current Richmond Sockeyes will take to the Oval ice for a Pacific International Junior Hockey League game against Aldergrove Kodiaks in a matinee match-up.
Other highlights of Richmond Celebrates Hockey Day include:
.Appearances and autograph signings by a number NHL legends and special appearances by popular Canucks mascot Fin and his friends.
.Performances by the popular Vancouver Canucks house band and Canadian rock/pop stars the Odds.
.A hockey market place with more than 40 booths featuring collectibles, memorabilia and more.
.Celebrity ball hockey games starring NHL legends, media personalities and members of Richmond City Council.
.Fun, interactive and informative hockey memorabilia displays from the BC Sports Hall of Fame; An interactive fun zone where fans can test their shooting and other hockey skills; mini-hockey for kids.
.A day-long hockey jamboree on twin Olympic-sized ice sheets with minor hockey games, skills clinics, and demonstrations.
.A chance to test your skills in table hockey, air hockey, electronic hockey games and more.
.Live on air broadcast of Team 1040's Sports Saturday show hosted by Bob "The Moj" Marjanovich.
.An Urban Rec road hockey tournament on the Oval plaza.
Doors open at 10 a.m. and the event continues until 7 p.m.
Admission to the Richmond Olympic Oval and most activities are free. Tickets are required for the Vancouver Canucks Alumni game at 4 p.m. tickets are $15 and can be purchased through www.brownpapertickets. com Partial proceeds from the Canucks-Sockeyes alumni game will go to support Richmond KidSport. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Richmond Food Bank will be collected at the event.
