CBC-Sports

Kissing cod and loving hockey in Newfoundland

February 12, 2009 11:40 AM | Posted by   Cassie Campbell  

I simply love the East Coast of Canada. OK - I love all of Canada, but the East Coast has a special place in my heart. My family is from Prince Edward Island, so that shows my bias, but my visit to Harbour Grace, NL, this past weekend for the Top 5 of Kraft Hockeyville was definitely a highlight for me.

The hometown of Daniel Cleary, 2008 Stanley Cup champion, and Jaime Korab, 2006 Olympic curling gold medallist, is a happening place.

They have seen a lot of success in that community lately and it’s inspired the youth to believe that anything is possible.

Vaive a good sport

I also had the pleasure of working alongside legendary Toronto Maple Leaf captain Rick Vaive. He was born in Ottawa but spent most of his time growing up in Charlottetown.

Rick was so engaging with all the kids and really was a smart pick by CBC to bring along. He was also a great sport when local comedian Johnny Sheen slapped his face with a cod during the screeching in process and had a lot of fun with the locals.

Like all Canadian towns, Harbour Grace is full of passion for hockey. The local senior men’s team, the Cee Bee Stars, is thought of like any NHL team and its players are local heroes. They demolished the Bell Island Wave 7-2 on the weekend in front of a jam-packed rink. To be honest, there wasn’t even any standing room left.

I was treated like a queen during my visit. I was fortunate enough to stay at the Rose Manor, which is a local bed and breakfast. Lucy and Kevin, who are the terrific owners, spoiled us each morning with a tasty breakfast and more importantly with their “I’ve known you all my life” demeanor, which makes any visitor feel as if they are in their own home. My husband made the trek with me and we were put in the Rose Room - let’s just say I never wanted to leave! Thanks Lucy and Kevin.

Pirates, history and hockey

Harbour Grace’s mayor, Don Coombs, was easy going and filled us in on all the great history of the town. I loved learning about Peter Easton, the notorious pirate from the 1600s, who set up fort there and also about the S.W. Moores Memorial Stadium that has seen its fair share of great hockey over the last 51 years.

Everything about this trip was fantastic. Zoe Anderson and Suzanne Chafe, Hockeyville Committee members, were constantly willing to cater to us and they were a passionate part of the committee. By the way, thanks to Suzanne for the box of shrimp to take home - delicious! Thanks to all of the people who stayed up until 3:00 a.m. to showcase Harbour Grace. Our broadcast wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Sean Lidster - great job on the Harbour Grace is Hockeyville song! I am still humming it! Kay’s Restaurant you do have the best fish and chips in Newfoundland and the cod tongues weren’t bad either.

Best of luck for the rest of the way for Kraft Hockeyville 2009!

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