(That's me top row back left - Ken Audette)

(I think we were celebrating a big win)

This past Tuesday I had the extreme honor and privelage of hosting the trading post on CKSW/CJSN with Hockey Night In Canada, Hockey Day In Canada, and Coach's Corner host Ron Maclean, the broadcasting legend. To say it was the thrill of a lifetime would be an understatement.

Later that day, I received a text from an old friend and guy I grew up with, Tim Stevenson. The above photos were attached to the text. Tim said he had listened to the trading post and was inspired to forward me these old pics after hearing it. I'm not sure what year this would be but I'm thinking mid-seventies so well over 40 years ago. I think we'd been 10-12 and the hockey level would have been about pee-wee. I don't even remember the pictures being taken but it was in the old Jubilee Arena in Shaunavon. An old barn that isn't standing any more but holds so many memories for so many. 

Tim's dad George is the coach on the left. George passed away in 2015. Bob Fleury is the coach on the right. Bob just passed away this past September. 

These photos are such a blast from the past and bring back so many memories. So many kids on this team I've lost touch with and haven't heard from in years. Others I've remained friends with over the many years and we still keep in touch. 

I wanted to share this story with you and a couple old pics from my past as a way to show how hockey and events like Hockey Day In Canada can bring us together, uniting people and communities through the years and the tears...the smiles and the miles, as we gather this week to celebrate our great game and nation at Scotiabank Hockey Day In Canada. 

Thank you Tim Stevenson for these great old pictures and a walk down memory lane.