The Leafs versus the Habs. Canada versus Russia. Crosby versus Ovechkin. Rivalries have been an integral part of the Canadian hockey landscape for as long as there have been skates to lace and pucks to shoot. They play out in every corner of the nation, from frozen ponds to the most opulent NHL rinks and raise the game of hockey to a level that reaches well beyond a simple athletic pursuit.

On February 21, Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada on CBC honours the rivalries in Canada’s great frozen game. Award winning broadcaster Ron MacLean and former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark will be in Campbellton, New Brunswick - the host location for Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada – and are both excited about celebrating this exciting aspect of the game.

Rivalries help tell the story of Canada's game, and everyone involved in hockey remembers their big ones, says Clark.

"The Warman Wildcats and the Brandon Wheat Kings," he says. "That was hockey for us growing up. Everybody marked this game on their calendar and you could feel the buzz throughout the town, days before the puck dropped."

For MacLean it was his hometown Red Deer Rustlers and The St. Albert Saints that defined his love of hockey as a child.

"Not only was it a great rivalry, but it was the great players playing for both teams that made it so wonderful. The six Sutter brothers defined Red Deer hockey for years, while Mark Messier was the hero of the Saints."

The emergence of these players, and their great contributions to the game, come directly from the rivalries that shaped them, MacLean explains. It is this greatness that leads to the birth of rivals and makes them so captivating.

"I believe the number one ingredient in the making of a rivalry is excellence. Regionalism and familiarity contribute heavily, but a great rivalry requires two outstanding opponents. Pat Butcher wrote in The Perfect Distance that 'Nothing becomes a champion like a rival.' So to find a great rivalry is to seek excellence."

This excellence is what makes NHL hockey so fascinating and engaging for fans across the country. For both MacLean and Clark, this comes out strongest with the Original Six. The history and heritage of these teams creates a bond that is respected by both players and fans alike.

"When I played for the Leafs in the 80s we knew every time we faced Montreal, Detroit or Chicago that it was going to be a great game. The excitement would begin in the morning skate and by the time you arrived that night for the game the emotions of the fans permeated throughout the dressing room and we couldn’t wait for the puck to drop," says Clark.

Along with the intense, historic, Original Six rivalries, new ones in non-traditional NHL markets have also created memorable moments and worthy adversaries.

For Clark, it was the emergence of a great U.S. based rivalry during the 1990s between Detroit and Colorado that created the same feeling he experienced when playing the Montreal Canadiens.

"Right now, there's not much better out west than Detroit and San Jose," says MacLean. "This puts parochialism aside and relies upon a shared competitive history that extends from recent playoff matchups. In the East I think its Pittsburgh and Washington because of the strength of their star players like Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin."

Whether big or small, rivalries are natural and lasting. They transcend regions, cities, players, coaches and fans. They’re aptly described by MacLean as, "a highly potent blend of sole purpose and self control."

Canadians everywhere - now that you've heard it straight from two shining stars in the world of hockey, get out and celebrate your favourite rivalry as part of your Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada festivities! And, here are some other ways to celebrate Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada on February 21st:

- Organize a game of shinny at your backyard rink, neighbourhood street or community arena
- Watch a minor hockey league game at your local arena
- Join the hottest grassroots hockey website in Canada – Our Game – and create a new group (CBCSports.ca/ourgame)
- Work on your shot with your mother, father, son, daughter, sister or brother
- Make a donation to your local minor hockey association or buy 50/50 tickets at a minor hockey game
- Teach a friend how to skate
- Organize a community Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada party
- Treat your parents / coach / siblings to a coffee and donut after hockey practice
- Gather your friends and family together to watch Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada

Hockey fans can catch Ron MacLean and Wendel Clark on Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada on CBC Television, Feb. 21, 2009, live from Campbellton, NB beginning at 12 noon ET. The 13.5 hour broadcast is headlined by a must-see NHL tripleheader featuring all of Canada’s NHL teams. Broadcast schedules, stories, blogs, special community events, an online auction and more can be found at CBCSports.ca/hockeyday.

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Contact:
James Lamont
james.lamont@mediaprofile.com
Phone: 416-342-1818