For the first time in franchise history, the Richmond Sockeyes will call the Richmond Olympic Oval their home arena.
The defending Pacific International Junior Hockey League champions will be squaring off against the North Delta Devils on Saturday at 1: 30 p.m. at the Oval as part of Richmond's Hockey Day in Canada.
The game was originally scheduled to be played in North Delta, however, the Devils agreed to the move so it could be part of a day's worth of special events, giving the Sockeyes tremendous exposure.
Mr. O'Canada, Mark Donnelly, famous for his singalong rendition of the Canadian anthem at Vancouver Canucks games, will lead the Oval crowd in singing O Canada to start the game.
Last week, the City of Richmond announced Grammy Award-winning superstar Michael Buble will share his passion for hockey by suiting up against Trevor Linden and other celebrities and noted athletes for a fun game of celebrity ball hockey starting noon.
In addition to Linden and Buble, other special guests making appearances include Hong Kong pop singer Kary Ng, other former Vancouver Canucks and ex-National Hockey League players, Vancouver Canucks mascot Fin, Vancouver Giants mascot Jack the Giant and more.
Other highlights include: . A chance to "Shoot To Win" a trip for two to Japan, courtesy of Westjet and Japan Air Lines.
. The Hockey Hall of Fame's "Legends" exhibit featuring memorabilia, interactive experiences and a number of NHL trophies, including the Hart Memorial Trophy awarded to the NHL's Most Valuable Player, and the Art Ross Trophy for the league scoring title.
. A Hockey Marketplace featuring more than 50 vendors offering hockey memorabilia, collectibles, trading cards and more.
. A giant screen with CBC TV broadcasts of games featuring all seven Canadian NHL teams.
. An interactive fun zone where fans can test their shooting and other hockey skills. A day-long hockey jamboree on twin Olympicsized ice sheets.
. Sony PlayStation video games section, plus table hockey and air hockey challenges.
. A public entry road hockey tournament on the Oval plaza organized by Urban Rec.
"It's going to be a great day for hockey fans young and old," said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
"There's tons of interactive activities, hockey games of every type from ice hockey to air hockey to NHL games on our giant screen, and lots of great prizes and giveaways. Best of all, it's all free."
Doors will open to the public at 10: 30 a.m. and the celebration will last until 10 p.m. There will early entrance (10 a.m.) for Richmond Olympic Oval members and their friends and family by showing membership card. Icing...
The Sockeyes also host the Aldergrove Kodiaks on Thursday (7: 30 p.m.) at Minoru in a battle of PIJHL conference leaders. The game will feature two players battling for the league scoring title as Richmond's Jeremy Hamaguchi and Aldergrove's Thomas Harding trail Delta's Spencer Traher by five and four points respectively.
