While the Collingwood Blues warm up for Game 1 of the Canadian National Hockey League championship tournament on Thursday in Portage la Prairie, Man., their supporters at home have organized a watch party at the town's Royal Canadian Legion branch.
To kick off the team’s national playoff run, Blues executive members Jamie Berman and Kristin Spencley have planned the open party for Collingwood Blues supporters to congregate and to celebrate the team’s journey and cheer them on from afar.
“Even though people can watch it at home, there’s such a sense of community when people come together,” said Berman. “I wanted to bring like-minded people together that are really invested and proud of what we’ve accomplished this year to come together and watch the game.”
Berman, who also serves as secretary for the legion, said the Royal Canadian Legion was the perfect fit and will be hosting the event free of charge.
“The legion is a great place. Everyone should feel welcome there,” she said.
The Collingwood Blues hoisted the Buckland Cup at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena on April 28 as the Ontario Junior Hockey League champions, and are representing Ontario at the Centennial Cup from May 11 to 21.
Berman said plans for future watch parties are to be determined, but the national championships are streamed online.
“I hope we can relive some of the magic that happens in the arena,” she said.
Entry to the legion is free and any member of the public is welcome to attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult, as there is a cash bar.
The Blues will face off against the Steinbach Pistons for Game 1, which will start at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.
The full Centennial Cup schedule and livestream game links can be found by clicking here.
