The NHL STREET Harbour Fest took over the Emera Oval in Halifax over the weekend, with several teams competing in the tournament. Hosted by the NHL, the two-day event had teams compete in a three-on-three format and featured live music, food trucks and even photo opportunities with NHL trophies. “We’re bringing NHL STREET to Halifax and to the community to really show people that hockey is a game where everyone can play,” said Rob Knesaurek with NHL Community Development and Industry Growth. “It’s about meeting new friends, it’s about having fun, it’s about fitness, but it really is about community and this is all about the people involved.” While the main attraction for many was the tournament, the event also had more for attendees. “We have blind hockey represented, we have books here, we have alumni, we have food trucks, so I think people are seeing the festival nature that we’re trying to create and hopefully picking up a stick and trying hockey,” said Knesaurek. Jeff Scott, also with NHL Community Development and Industry Growth, said the goal is to expose more people to the sport. “Events like this allow us to bring the sport to communities where people might not have the access, might not have the awareness, but you can of course walk into any park, any community, and pick up a stick, lace up your sneakers, have some fun with some friends, bring communities together all around hockey,” he said. “If it was a sunny day in the summer, I was playing ball hockey, so it’s nice to see this and I think it will have a ripple effect on getting kids out of the house and getting kids active,” said participant Michael Joseph. Knesaurek says the NHL has a surprise for Halifax as a result of the tournament. “This isn’t a one-and-done, we want to come back and make a special presentation – I’m going to call it a gift – to the community to certainly enhance participation and I think people will be extremely pleased that the NHL has come back in this capacity and done some of the good for youth hockey.” With files from CTV Atlantic’s Carl Pomeroy For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
