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West Kelowna Apr 18 - 7,441 views
West Kelowna Apr 16 - 76,862 views
Canada's national pastime will be on full display this weekend when Rogers Hometown Hockey hits West Kelowna.
The two-day festival at the Mount Boucherie complex is a celebration of everything hockey, culminating in a live broadcast with hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone Sunday afternoon.
Ron MacLean, who also hosts Hockey Night in Canada's Saturday night broadcast, has been piling up the frequent flyer miles as he makes his way coast-to-coast to host the broadcast.
Castanet had a chance to speak with MacLean from his home in Oakville, Ont.
Rogers Hometown Hockey is in its fifth year, and making its fourth stop in the Okanagan. But, restricted by his Saturday night duties, MacLean misses out on much of the festivities this weekend.
"I so much love this Rogers Hometown Hockey and what is does to shine a light on communities, and all that's good about the game. I would love to be there and take in the Warriors game tonight, but it's just the way it is," he said.
The show has grown immensely since its humble beginnings five years ago. MacLean says a lot of that has been through building a foundation of friendship.
"I think for Tara and me, the five years of going all cross the country, learning so much and making so many friends. It's great outreach. There's lots to do at the festival both days, and then for me, the personal thing is I hope to meet Erik Gardiner who just retired from the Kelowna Rockets ... Josh Gorges will be on the broadcast for the second time.
"We'll have a great feature on Justin Schultz, and we did a profile on him and the Okanagan Hockey Academy and the Pursuit of Excellence program."
The weekend will also include former NHLers Jordin Tootoo and Kirk McLean, a community chat with the West Kelowna Warriors, plus autograph sessions with the Warriors and Rockets.
Events begin tonight with a welcoming barbeque.
The site opens against Saturday at noon, and Sunday at 11 a.m.
The entire parking lot will be closed through the weekend. Parking is available at at Mount Boucherie Secondary and the Super 8 Motel.
The Warriors are offering a shuttle bus service for those who are not able to park nearby. The shuttle will run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There are no prescribed stops, so people are asked to flag down the bus if you need a ride.
