By Matthew Blair
[1]Stirling, Ont. (30/09/12) Don Cherry And Ron MacLean make a speech in front of the fans at the Stirling-Rawdon & District Recreation Centre Sunday night during the NHL alumni game. Photo by Matthew Blair.
Thousands of people poured into the streets of Stirling on Sunday afternoon, watching as the Stanley Cup made it’s way through the celebrating downtown core.
Stirling beat thousands of other communities in Canada in the Hockeyville contest. One of the perks of winning the contest is to have a hockey night in Canada broadcast in your community and an NHL pre-season game played in your arena. Because of the NHL lockout, it didn’t happen.
Bob Adams, better known as “Canada Bob” was dressed head to toe in Canada clothing, and even had his motorbike dressed up. He was one of the many fans who took part in the celebrations.
“I’ve been doing this for over five years, for the troops, and High Way of Hero’s rides I go in, and for Canada. I was in the first Kraft Hockeyville. As soon as I found out about this I phoned up and said I’m in.”
The lockout may have kept the winners of Hockeyville from seeing an NHL pre-season game played this year, but the void was filled with a Stanley Cup parade and an NHL alumni game played Sunday night.
The Stanley Cup was on display outside the arena after the parade. For some people it was the first time they’ve got to see the cup. They also had the chance to get a picture taken beside it. Members of the Belleville Bulls along with the alumni were also there signing autographs before the game.
Fans were disappointed without the NHL game, but they said it wouldn’t stop them from enjoying the celebrations.
“I think we’re all a little disappointed, hockey’s a business and we understand, but hey if we can get a game we get a game,“ said Tim Osborne.
Greg Oliver said he came out to help the organizers who brought hockeyville to Stirling.
“It’s been a great thing winning Hockeyville. I helped out when asked but I wasn’t part of the committee.“ Oliver also said having no NHL game is upsetting but it could very well happen again next year.
Mick Saundurs who isn’t a big hockey fan said he came out just so he could support the town.
“ I just wanted to dress in Stirling colours today, it’s huge for the town, a lot of people know where the town is now and the people who organized it put so much work into it, and the town deserved it.”
Stirling-Rawdon & District Recreation Centre was packed full later that night. Fans were treated with watching players such as former Buffalo Sabre and hometown alumni Rob Ray hit the ice one more time., during the Alumni game.
CBC Hockey Night In Canada hosts Don Cherry and Ron MacLean made a special appearance during the first intermission. MacLean played in the game while Cherry made a speech.
A cheque for $100000 was awarded before the start of the game, for winning the Hockeyville contest. $25000 will also go to the Yardmen arena in Belleville.