Rich Sutter and Darcy Tucker are among the NHL alumni that will spend time in Lacombe for Rogers Hometown Hockey.

Rich Sutter, part of central Alberta's beloved Sutter family, played 13 seasons in the NHL, drafted by Pittsburgh in 1982, the same year his twin brother Ron was drafted by Philadelphia, while Darcy Tucker is a native of east central Alberta, he played most of his 14 season career with the Leafs, as a well-known enforcer.

Rogers continues to release more details leading up the February 3rd and 4th weekend, which will see Ron MacLean and Tara Slone broadcasting live from Lacombe on Sportsnet.

Economic Development Manager with the City of Lacombe, Guy Lapointe says the hockey festival will draw a big crowd to downtown Lacombe.

“Weather permitting the average attendance is you know roughly about 10,000 people.  If we can have one of those ‘chinooky’ days here we could see that number really move upwards.  We’re excited.  We think that bringing 10,000 people down to the doorstep of the local merchants will be a very positive thing, especially in February which is kind of traditionally a slow retail month”.

Lapointe says much of downtown Lacombe will be closed from February 1st through the 4th as a result.

“I think the Flatiron is probably the most recognizable building, but again, that is a fairly significant area that they are closing off, it’s Main Street from 51st Street, all the way down to Highway 2A so kind of 2 blocks and then they are heading all the way up 50th Street”.

The area will be open to foot traffic during the two set up days and throughout the hockey festival, and the City is working to secure some additional parking for visitors by utilizing some private lots.

There will be meet and greet opportunities with Sutter and Tucker, photo op's with the Stanley Cup, lots of activities for the kids, and an outdoor viewing party with a live pre-game show leading up to the broadcast of the Senators - Canadiens game.


 Detailed event listing released by Rogers this week:

TORONTO (January 16, 2018) Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour presented by Scotiabank and Dodge is heading to Lacombe, AB, for a celebration of hockey on February 3 and 4. The weekend will feature broadcast hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone, meet-and-greet opportunities with NHL alumni Rich Sutter and Darcy Tucker, live local entertainment and engaging activities for the whole family.

The two-day hockey festival begins on Saturday, February 3 at noon MT at Flat Iron in Lacombe, and will conclude Sunday afternoon following the Rogers Hometown Hockey outdoor viewing party. The afternoon’s broadcast kicks off with a special pre-game show hosted live on site by MacLean and Slone from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio beginning at 10:30 a.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW, followed by a showdown between the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens.

Rogers Hometown Hockey Festival Details:

The free hockey-themed weekend will feature games, prize giveaways, fun activities, and live local entertainment for the whole family, including:

  • Rogers Fan Hub: Helping fans be fans, the Fan Hub features innovative and interactive experiences, showcasing virtual autographs from NHL stars, a hockey-themed Zamboni video game and autograph signings with Rich Sutter to unite fans in their passion for the game. In addition, fans are treated to free hot chocolate on site.
  • GamePlusIf you are a Rogers customer you can come to the GamePlus desk in the Rogers Fan Hub and redeem exclusive experiences such as meet-and-greets with NHL alumni, autographed merchandise and tours of our Sportsnet Mobile Studio.
  • Sportsnet Augmented Reality Photo BoothFans have the chance to get close to their favorite players through augmented reality technology. Fans can take photos with virtual images of NHL stars, and have the photo emailed directly to their device for social sharing.
  • The Hockey Circus ShowCome see Paz, our world-renowned hockey acrobat! Paz juggles everything from pucks to flaming hockey sticks all while standing on top of a net. It is an experience that the family will never forget.  
  • Scotiabank Community Locker Room: A family-friendly space to engage hockey fans, celebrate the game, and interact with NHL alumni, such as Darcy Tucker. Scotiabank will also be donating $15,000 to minor hockey associations in the community.
  • Photo-Op with the Stanley Cup:  Get your chance to see the greatest trophy in sports up close-and-personal as the Stanley Cup visits Lacombe. Head to the Scotiabank Community Locker Room to get your photo taken with Lord Stanley’s mug.
  • Dodge Family Zone: Features the famous Stow ’n Go Challenge, a hockey-themed obstacle course. Also, fans have the opportunity to enter a contest to win $5,000 for their local minor hockey association and a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica for their family. All contest entrants will receive a co-branded Dodge and Rogers Hometown Hockey retro toque.
  • Tim Hortons Ball Hockey Rink presented by Sportsnet: Features pick-up games for the community, including local Timbits Hockey players.
  • Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Pizzeria: Fans can enjoy a free slice of Giuseppe Pizzeria pizza fresh out of the oven, and play the Find Giuseppe Match Game to win a rooftop experience and other great prizes.
  • Playmobil Kids Zone: Fans have the chance to face off against friends and family with the PLAYMOBIL NHL Arena and its lineup of NHL figures. In the zone, fans will also be able to enter to win a new NHL playset.
  • OK Tire Zamboni Pit Stop: Features a pit-crew-like experience where fans have the opportunity to test their tire-changing skills on a replica Zamboni.
  • Live Local Entertainment: Live music featured throughout the weekend beginning with Ayla Brook & The Sound Men performing on Saturday followed by Jamie Woodfin on Sunday.

Rogers Hometown Hockey Event and Broadcast DetailsLocation:        Flat Iron, 50th Ave, 50 Ave from 49 St. 

Time:

  • Saturday, February 3 – Festival open from noon to 6 p.m. MT
  • Sunday, February 4 – Festival opens at 9 a.m. MT and runs through the end of the Rogers Hometown Hockey outdoor viewing party

Broadcast:

  • Special Guests:         Rich Sutter and a special, live musical performance by Alberta’s own, Nice Horse
  • Game Matchup:         Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens, 10:30 a.m. MT (Sportsnet, Sportsnet NOW, Rogers NHL LIVE)
  • Features:
    • Gary Sutter – The Sutters are one of the most successful families in hockey history. Six boys from Viking, Alberta that went on to win eight Stanley Cups combined as both players and coaches. But whatever happened to the seventh Sutter brother? On Feb. 4 we tell the story of how Gary Sutter dealt with being the only boy in the family not to make it to the NHL, and how a rare occurrence helped change his life.
    • Lacombe Rockets – The Lacombe Rockets was a senior hockey club that was part of the Central Alberta Senior Hockey League from 1952-1965. In its short history, it became one of the finest senior teams in western Canada and we take a look back at its history.
    • My Hometown Must – Tara Slone gets on a 4x4 Predator and heads out to the off-road racetrack in a wild and heart-pulsing race at Tailcreek Raceway.