Curtis Leschyshyn was one of the special guests during Rogers Hometown Hockey in Thompson. Leschyshyn was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the first round during the 1988 NHL entry draft. He went on to play with the Colorado Avalanche, winning the Stanley Cup in 1996.
“It was in 1996 but it feels it was yesterday. Those are memories that will be etched in my mind forever. I will never forget being on the ice and hoisting the Stanley Cup up and skating around with it with my teammates. Having family and friends celebrate with you, it’s something you can’t even begin to imagine how it’s going to affect your life, and I can’t even describe it. It’s like the weight of the world just left my shoulders.”
Born in Thompson, Leschyshyn moved away when he was nearly two years old, but was excited to come back to the north for the event. “I was excited when the plane was coming in last night [March 6] and I got to see the northern lights from the plane, which was a cool experience. The people here have been first class so far, so it’s been a real good experience to come back. Thompson is a great example of what you can do when your community comes together and hosts a great event.”
Leschyshyn finished off his hockey career playing four seasons with the Ottawa Senators from 2000-2004. Thinking back to the four-year-old he used to be when he picked up a stick for the first time, the hockey star says dreams like the NHL can become a reality for anyone who works hard. “Chase your dreams. If you want to do something by all means try. Give whatever effort and time you have and give it 100 per cent, and you never know where that will take you. It’s a lot of hard work and dedication and commitment, but I was able to accomplish the goal that was once just a dream.”
On Mar. 8, Leschyshyn took the main stage with Theo Fleury and Jennifer Botterill for a panel discussion, and came back during the live broadcast to speak with Ron MacLean about the experience here in Thompson.
When asked about the future of hockey Leschyshyn says we need to keep doing what we’re doing. “You look and Scotiabank has done a tremendous job being a part of minor hockey throughout Canada and coming to Thompson shows why we need to continue to grow and develop grassroots hockey from big cities to small towns”
All in all, the past Thompsonsite couldn’t believe the turnout. “I thought the support from the community has been excellent. They’ve come out with numbers I didn’t think could happen.” On Mar. 7 alone over 5,000 people visited the Thompson Regional Community Centre for Hometown Hockey and Winterfest, one of the biggest turnouts so far during this year’s NHL season, said a Rogers spokesperson.
