Hockey contests galore

I didn’t have much luck in my first hockey “contest.”

It consisted of my mom taking me to Mark’s Work Wearhouse in my native Victoria for an in-store appearance by Vancouver Canucks captain Stan Smyl and goalie Richard Brodeur. This being 1982, both were massive local heroes for their efforts in Vancouver’s gallant run to the Stanley Cup finals versus the New York Islanders.

My three-year-old sister exclaimed, “Those aren’t hockey players!”, when she saw Smyl and Brodeur, since they were decked out in Mark’s denim instead of full hockey gear. Nonetheless, the players proved their puck credentials by tossing a bunch of official Canuck pucks into the crowd. At age seven, I would rather have scored one of those pucks than an entire free wardrobe.

But some enormous dude next to me (Zdeno Chara-like in my memory, but probably a 17-year-old a shade under six feet) grabbed away not one but TWO pucks that fell at my feet. The people around me rhubarbed with discontent (“thatguygottwopucksnofair”), but it was all forgotten quickly as the lineup for autographs formed.

After years of therapy, I’ve recovered from this trauma. (Just kidding.)

Anyway, since the average NHL ticket price of $52.05 US doesn’t appear likely to go down any time soon, here are three contests that might get you into a live game this year if your wallet won’t (and if you live in Canada):

Game On! With Sidney Crosby

Read the fine print on this one: “Contest Sponsors are not liable if Sidney Crosby does not or is unavailable to play, for any reason whatsoever, in the NHL® game to which winner receives tickets to attend.” Hmm. Well, Sid missed three games last November with a groin pull, but since his fanatical off-season training regimen undoubtedly includes significant stretching and core work, it’s a pretty good bet you won’t be disappointed by a no-show.

Pick the Power Suit & WIN!

You gotta love (as Don would say) the exclamation-laden description of the Grand Prize. I’m also going out on a limb and assuming that “professional hockey game in Toronto” refers to the Leafs and not the Marlies.

Round trip airfare for two to Toronto!
2 nights accommodation!
Meet and greet with Don Cherry!
2 box seats for professional hockey game in Toronto!
$500 spending money!
Signed Don Cherry Power Suit!

Sport Mart Instant Replay Contest

Trip to Calgary for a Flames game, yes. Meet and greet with Mike Keenan, no.