Rogers Hometown Hockey co-host Tara Slone visited Ladysmith last Tuesday to interview former National Hockey League defenceman Doug Bodger and take a paddle with the Chemainus native in the harbour.
The Cowichan Valley is one of the stops during the tour’s fourth season, Jan. 21-22, 2018. A full weekend of festivities is being planned, culminating in an outdoor viewing party of an NHL broadcast.
Slone interviewed Bodger before two guides from Sealegs Kayaking took them out onto the water.
The footage will be part of the pre-show that will air nationally on Sportsnet prior to the game between the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets.
Bodger was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1984 and played more than 1,000 games in the NHL. He also represented Canada at three World Championships, helping his country win a silver medal at the 1996 tournament.
He is currently the assistant coach of the Western Hockey League Victoria Royals.
After filming wrapped up in Ladysmith, crews headed over to Fuller Lake Arena later in the day.
“We just took some pictures in the rink and we were out on the ice,” noted Bodger.
“It was pretty fun, a good day. It worked out pretty good.”
A shortlist of potential venues in Cowichan for the Hometown Hockey broadcast has been selected and a final decision is expected in the coming weeks. More filming will be conducted later.
The free, family-friendly weekend will include interactive games and activities celebrating all things hockey, plus live entertainment, a chance to meet NHL alumni and lots of free contests and giveaways.
The estimated economic impact for the Cowichan Valley from the event is $1 million.
- with a file from Don Bodger, the Courier
