Welcome to 2012 and if you made a new year’s resolution, there’s probably a good chance you’ve already broken it. Mine was to eat fewer potato chips and that lasted 3 days. This is not to the month to start eating properly anyway, (hopefully my trainer at Greco Sparksstreet doesn’t see this) but the NFL playoffs are in full swing and the moment that Sens fans have been 20 years for (besides winning a Stanley Cup) is the NHL All Star game which takes over the Capital from January 26-29. The fun begins on Thursday Jan 26 with the NHL trophy procession (Rideau Canal from Waverly - Ottawa Convention Centre) with all the league hardware travelling down the canal to officially open the weekend. That afternoon the Scotiabank NHL Fan Fair opens at the Convention Centre and for the next three days you can bring the family for interactive games, special appearances, trophy and memorabilia displays, live TV and radio broadcasts, music, food and dozens of other activities (CapitalTickets.ca or 613-599-FANS). Later that night from 8-9:30 the NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft takes place at the Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy. Hockey fans will remember this from last year when Phil Kessel from the Leafs was picked last, needless to say that won’t happen to him again this year. On Friday (Jan 27) you’ll want to be on the canal for the Energizer night skate, a 5k skating event that will benefit the Sens Foundation. This is perfect for families, friends or impress the date with you’re your skating skills! Money raised will go to building future outdoor ice rinks in eastern Ontario and western Quebec (www.energizernightskate.ca). On Saturday from 9-Noon the Canadian Tire NHL Junior Skills National Championship takes place on the Rideau Canal, where finalists across the country compete to show off for a segment on CBC. That night the Molson Canadian NHL All-Star Skills Competition (which is still my favorite event) is on at Scotiabank Place, and has all the big names showing off their skating, puck-handling and shooting skills. Then Sunday afternoon at 4, the main event takes place (also at Scotiabank Place) when the Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game shows off the league’s best. The game has been around 59 years and is always fun to watch. By the time the ALL Star weekend is done, most of our credit card statements from the month before will have arrived and we can all do the same thing when opening them “I spent that much??” – Here’s to a successful and healthy 2012 and I wish the best for you and your family.
