I know I’ve put it off long enough, this rollicking SMHLPA junket to NHL games at the United Center in Chicago and at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
But, before we revisit that, I want to remind local hockey fans, especially the Junior C fans in the broadcast region of an interesting and significant hockey game this weekend at Mount Forest.
Sunday afternoon, the Western Junior C Hockey League All Stars will meet their counterparts from the Georgian MidOntario Junior C League.
Just an exhibition game, bragging rights, at best a showcase for the younger players in those leagues to impress the ambitious OHL scouts.
But more than that, this game takes on additional importance with the insitution of a Major League Baseball like stipulation.
The winning team, or the winning league, not only gets bragging rights, but they earn home ice advantage for their respective league when the playoffs roll around.
In the Ontario Quarterfinals, the Western League champion faces the Georgian MidOntario League champions and home ice will be determined not by the traditional coin toss, but rather by the result of Sunday’s game at Mount Forest.
Next year, same conditions, only the venue shifts to a Georgian MidOntario rink.
We’ll talk about the NHL trip next week.
Have a good weekend.
I’m Fred Wallace