With December upon us and winter setting in, the morning commute is steadily growing colder. The age-old rituals of scraping frost from car windshields and bundling up in warm sweaters until the office heat kicks in serve as stark reminders of the changing season. For those who grew up in frostier climates, such as Southern Ontario for myself, the crispness of the cold air often evokes childhood memories and signals the impending holidays, the promise of snow, as well as the start of a new hockey season and the opportunity for our favourite teams to vie for the championship.
Hockey, famously hailed as Canada’s game (with apologies to lacrosse fans), has managed to capture the attention of even those who aren’t avid enthusiasts. The sport has permeated our culture and even infiltrated our boardrooms. Hockey-inspired sayings such as “Bring your ‘A’ game,” “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” and “Know where the puck is going, not where it’s been” have become part of our everyday lexicon.
In Greater Victoria, hockey holds a significant place in our cultural tapestry, despite the scarcity of outdoor skating opportunities and fleeting winter landscapes in comparison to the rest of Canada. Come January, our region will partake in a grand celebration of all things hockey as Victoria hosts Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada from January 17th to 20th at Ship Point. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is one of the many organizations throwing its weight behind this unique event.
This presents a golden opportunity for us to showcase our splendid region on a national scale during a live broadcast. It is an invaluable moment to shine a spotlight on our local indigenous communities – the Songhees Nation, who will elegantly transport the Stanley Cup into the Inner Harbour in a traditional canoe. The unifying power of sports is immeasurable. Participants and spectators alike will have the chance to share and revel in countless compelling and significant stories as they gather to witness an alumni game or take to the ice for a glide themselves.
Events like this hold great significance for our downtown businesses. Hockey serves as a powerful unifier, bringing together thousands of people in Downtown Victoria during the peak of winter – a wonderful excuse for an enjoyable time, even in the midst of January. The increased foot traffic will offer a boon to retailers and restaurants, breathing new life into the area for visitors and locals.
As we move forward, let’s maintain an optimistic outlook and remember to check in on those in our lives who may need a little extra support during this time of year. It’s heartening to know that the forthcoming hockey festival will also help shed light on the importance of mental health. Looking ahead to a triumvirate of exceptional events in January and February, let’s come together as a region, showcase our downtown, and find a glimmer of hope as we eagerly embrace the changing seasons and the prospect of brighter days ahead.
Bruce Williams is the CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.