A team of Airdrie youngsters will soon have the thrill of their young lives.
The Airdrie Atom Predators has been selected as one of 25 minor hockey teams from across Canada who will introduce an NHL game during CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada’s Scotiabank Hockey Tonight pre-game show.
Filming for the segment, which will air as part of a national broadcast Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames double-header on Oct. 16, took place at the Ron Ebbesen Arena on Sept. 20.
“It’s really exciting for everyone,” said Predators coach Doug Pickell, adding the team only found out about the taping about two weeks ago.
“It’s kind of a rare opportunity, because I understand a lot of teams across Canada applied to do this and we were fortunate enough they selected us. It’s great for the city, it’s great for Airdrie Minor Hockey and it’s great for these kids.”
“The Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids’ program was an absolute hit with the kids the last two years and we’re thrilled to be calling up another 25 teams this season,” said Tim Bolton, Scotiabank’s branch manager for Airdrie. “Scotiabank has always been proud of our support of minor hockey in Canada and we hope this program gives kids a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the excitement of Hockey Night in Canada and the big leagues.”
The Predators had only one answer to describe the experience: “It’s awesome,” they all shouted in unison.
