Twain enjoys hockey at the Mac Posted By Len Gillis
Shania Twain at the McIntyre Arena in Timmins Tuesday.
Timmins hometown singing sensation Shania Twain joined friends in Timmins this evening to watch a hockey game at the McIntyre Arena, where Team Ontario played Team Finland in one of the opening games of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Twain, who is in Timmins this week to take part in the Olympic torch run on Friday, sat in the first row of the balcony seats at the north end of the Mac. As she arrived at the arena, she was spotted by several fans who waved and called her name. Many other hockey fans indicated they were clearly pleased to see Twain enjoying the game.
Sorry but until you have pictures of her in a recording studio then I personally don't care. I have lots more to say but I will hold back for now. I know some of you are more concerned about seeing pictures of her than seeing music from her. That is my opinion but have fun with the pictures of her with the torch this week. I personally think that she be for athletes of Canada and Shania should be performing on the big stage at the Olympics, thats what artists do for their country. Celine Dion has it right. Celine volunteered to perform for her own country for no money at the open ceremonies. Celine is an artist and is singing, thats what artists do. They don't take the opportunity of home town athletes to carry the torch. I also think the ctv media should not be allowed to carry the torch like many of the media are.
Great to see Shania out and having fun at a hockey game. Fred looks thrilled to be there! Check out Shania's layers of clothing. Must be cold! I hope she layers it up under her Torch Bearer uniform!
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Spay and Neuter your cats. You can stop the homeless cat problem from multiplying.
Eyes of hockey world on Timmins Posted By CHELSEY ROMAIN The Daily Press
The official opening ceremonies for the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge were held last night prior to the game between Ontario and Finland. Displaying the host city banner for the tourney are, from left, MP Charlie Angus (NDP — Timmins-James Bay), U17 committee chairman Kris Kullas, Mayor Tom Laugrhen, Madison Brunet (representing the Esso Medal of Achievements Program), and Hockey Canada representative Ed Pupich. (VINCENT MAN The Daily Press)
It's long been anticipated.
Even during the summer months, hockey enthusiasts were awaiting the moment when the puck would drop in Timmins signalling the start of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
But the tournament is doing a lot more than providing world-class hockey, it's providing the community a much needed economic boost.
While final numbers are not known, Mayor Tom Laughren said money spent this week in the community, as well as in surrounding towns hosting games, will be in the millions.
"Timmins is very, very fortunate when you think of having a world hockey tournament in your community, as well as having the Olympic torch, which is a symbol of sports throughout the world, going through your community at the same time," he said.
"To me from a history perspective, it's one of the best weeks we have had for sure
"A lot of people have to be fed and the hotels I'm sure are pretty full with everything going on in our community."
Representing all the communities hosting games throughout the next week, MP Charlie Angus (NDP — Timmins-James Bay) said he has had the opportunity to travel up and down Hwy. 11 a lot during the holidays and the excitement over the tournament has been obvious.
"This is going to be exciting hockey and its drawing a lot of people into the area and it come at a time when we need good news," Angus said during an opening ceremony reception hosted by premier Hockey Canada sponsor RBC at The Shania Twain Centre yesterday.
"This is going to be a real economic driver and its also a chance for us to show off what we have."
Angus said Xstrata Copper's recent announcement of closing the met site was a real kick in the teeth for people, but there were still a lot of positives happening in the community.
"I think this reminds people of what's great about this community, which is our spirit and sense of togetherness," he said. "I think its going to be building some bridges at a really bittersweet time."
Hockey Canada vice-chairman at large and Timmins resident Ed Pupich said there were a couple of things that went into Timmins being chosen a second time in the same decade to host the event. In addition to having a great facility, there has always been great fan support.
"The McIntyre Arena is an excellent facility, it's a hockey arena," Pupich said. "I have great joy being a part of the McIntyre restructuring committee, and have a great joy in explaining to people the tie in with Maple Leaf gardens. We have a great facility.
"The people coming in can't believe such a facility exists in Northern Ontario."
The tournament originated in Quebec in 1987. In the early 1990s, Hockey Canada requested the tournament be brought out of Quebec. In 1992-93 it was hosted by Sudbury, with five games played in Timmins. At the end of the decade, Timmins hosted it for the first time.
In addition to benefiting the communities in which the games are played, the tournament will also unsure a great hockey legacy continues in the North. Profits from the tournament, and Pupich confirmed a profit is expected, go to the Northern Ontario Hockey Association.
The last time Timmins hosted, between $65,000 and $75,000 was given back. This year, due in part to strong local sponsorship, Pupich is anticipating an even higher amount.
"It looks after our hockey in the North. It will leave a legacy with minor hockey, reinvested back into minor hockey," he said. "Whether through speciality clinics, coaching clinics so on, the actual players — the young kids themselves will get the benefit of the programs and the money."
Laughren said he's hoping that having Timmins prove it could pull off events of this calibre could mean more in the future.
"This is another great example of a community coming together," he said. "This would not be a successful tournament if we didn't have the volunteers in our communities.
"We have some real quality people who have spent a lot of time working to put this together."
Timmins has the opportunity off the "phenomenal potential" it has, Angus said.
"This is a region with phenomenal potential, when you look at gold, diamonds and winter resources that we have here, but we're also a phenomenal kick-****** hockey capital and if you're coming from the US or Finland, you know you're coming basically to the heart and soul of Canadian hockey," he said.
"So I think these other teams and visitors from our countries will be pretty excited to be here. This is hollowed territory for the world of hockey."