Hockey Day in Canada events happening in Victoria this week

Since it was announced this summer that Victoria would host Canada’s biggest single-day hockey celebration, fans of the sport have eagerly awaited the special event. This week, it’s finally here and the stacked list of events are sure to light up the community. It will be the first time that a BC city will play host since Kamloops in 2016. As Canadian NHL teams go head-to-head in games throughout the day, Victoria will act as the focal point during the broadcast, hosted by Ron McLean.

The main events can be found at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour, with skating, ball hockey and many other all-ages activities taking place. While the city saw some impromptu outdoor rinks appear this past weekend during the sub-zero temperatures, the forecast for this week sees a return to our usual mild weather and with it, an alternative synthetic skating rink will be brought to Ship Point. The Victoria Hockey Legacy Society will keep the high-tech rink, with plans to bring it out for future Canada Day celebrations.

Check out what’s in store during the busy week for BC’s capital:

January 17

As the Ship Point fan zone opens up, school visits and minor ball hockey games will take place.

January 18

Test your skills with target shooting in the fan zone at Ship Point or check out the Community Rink as it opens for hockey clinics during the day.

Hockey Day in Canada Gala

On January 18, dress up your favourite jersey and join fellow fans and players for an evening of cocktails and dinner at the Fairmont Empress.

January  19

Enjoy more target shooting at Ship Point in the fan zone and clinics with Wendel Clark, Nathan Lafayette and Kirk McLean at the Community Rink. See more minor ball hockey games throughout the afternoon.

Hockey book signing at Munro’s

Join this book signing with hockey legends Ron MacLean, Brian Burke, and Ken Reid at the downtown bookstore. Mclean will sign copies of his book, Hockey Towns, which shares the untold stories of Wayne Gretzky and Eric Lindros. Burke will sign copies of his memoir, Burke’s Law, where he opens up about the challenges he’s dealt with throughout his long career in the sport. Reid will sign copies of his book, Hometown Hockey Heroes, which explores the hockey heroes of small Canadian towns. January 19, 11:30am-1pm.

Celebrity and Alumni Classic Game

See some of your favourite players, including Kevin Bieksa, Lanny McDonald, and Wendell Clark, take the ice at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre for this special game, with modified rules to keep the excitement going.

January 20

The big day’s events will kick off at 9:30am with members of Songhees and Esquimalt Nations paddling into the Inner Harbour with the Stanley Cup. The Cup will remain on display from 10am-4pm. Grab a tasty pancake breakfast before broadcasting, hosted by Ron Mclean, begins at 10am.

In the fan zone at Ship Point, you’ll find plenty of all-ages activities, hockey clinics, food trucks and music. Hone your shot skills with target practices, get game tips from former Canucks, try out ball hockey with equipment provided, and check out a wheelchair hockey demonstration. Local former NHLers Geoff and Russ Courtnall and Andrew Ference will be in attendance, as well as the legendary Lanny MacDonald, Cassie Campbell-Pascal, Wendel Clark, Darcy Tucker.

Hockey Day at Tillicum Centre

Not in the mood for the crowds at Ship Point? Watch the day’s games on a big screen at Tillicum Centre. There will be plenty of seating at this free event and you can enter for a chance to win a pair of Victoria Royals tickets. Find the event on the mall’s Upper Level near Western Coast Insurance and Winners. Taking place January 20, 12pm-9pm.