Rogers Hometown Hockey is set to take over Dauphin this weekend, and co-host of the show Tara Slone is excited to pay a visit to the City of Sunshine.
Hometown Hockey has toured around Canada for 6 seasons now, making stops in big cities and small towns alike.
Tara says the decision to come to Dauphin was an easy one to make.
“It’s a great hockey community, and it’s a place we haven’t been. We’ve had a few repeats along the way in some of the bigger places, like Winnipeg, but (Dauphin) is, sort of, my favourite size, I like the smaller markets,” said Slone. “Obviously, there’s a ton of great hockey talent that’s from Dauphin, and from around Dauphin. Lots of great stories, and we haven’t covered it yet.”
Slone says that the thing she is most looking forward to immersing herself in the Ukrainian culture by dancing with the Zirka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and the Dancing and Riding Cossacks.
“You learn by being on the ground, there’s only so much you can get out of Youtube and Google. I think it’s really only by being with people in Dauphin, that you get a sense of understanding of the community itself and what it means to them,” said Slone. “The dancing itself is something I’m going to marvel at, and it’ll be fun for me to try, but really, there’s a lot of skill so I’ll get to actually just be able to watch that unfold.”
Slone says that even after hosting the show for 6 years, she is constantly amazed by the kindness of Canadians. She adds that her favourite part about Hometown Hockey is seeing smiles on people’s faces.
By coming out to the event, Slone says people can expect a free and fun event, with a chance to meet some hockey legends like Butch Goring, Colton Orr, and Brigette Lacquette.
The Hometown Hockey co-host says she is lucky to be able to travel the country, telling stories about communities and hockey with Ron MacLean.
On top of everything Tara is doing with Hometown Hockey, she will also be dropping the puck at the Parkland Rangers Ukrainian Night game.
