TOP 5 CHL RINKS

I wouldn't be lying to suggest I never met a CHL rink I didn't like. Needless to say some are more special than others. Keep in mind, this isn't survey of most beautiful or modern, it's about character and memories.  Honorable mention goes to the Medicine Hat Arena, Prospera Place in Kelowna, The Ottawa Civic Centre,  John Labatt Centre in London, and the Moncton Colisseum. But here is my current top five. 

5) Rimouski Colisee. Nowhere have I found the passion for the game, that the people of this community exhibit. The Oceanic, to this group, is like religion. Even after a facelift, the Arena just fits. Old school but exactly what you would expect and want. Whether I was their during the Sidney Crosby era, for the the 2009 Memorial Cup, (my favourite of all time) the atmosphere has always been terrific. They say that people make the place. A statement that suits the Colissee perfectly.

4) Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The mecca of Ontario Hockey League arenas for my liking. Designed to stand the test of time, renovated just in time for the 2008 Memorial Cup. The people of this community truly embrace their team as well. Finding a seat most nights, is not easy.  More importantly, thank you to some of the current and and past members of this organization for always making it feel comfortable and like home during every single visit.

3) Robert Guertin Arena. The old school building, plain and simply, oozes junior hockey from the second you walk in the doors. It smells like hockey. Once again, the passion of the people makes such a difference to every game feeling like a big one. I love this place and will be sad when the Olympique no longer play in that establishment. Every day at the BOB is a day I can't wait for. A love affair that began when I attended the 1997 Memorial Cup.

2) Brandt Centre. Formerly known as the Agridome. I broadcast nearly five years of Regina Pats hockey in this arena. As a youngster, all I ever wanted in my broadcasting career was an opportunity to call one WHL game. Ironically, growing up a huge fan of the rival Saskatoon Blades, I wasn't exactly thinking that Queen City and the Pats would become such an important part of my life.

1) Saskatoon Arena. More affectionately known as "The Barn". This building hasn't even been in existence for well over a decade. For me, the amount of childhood memories are endless. Truly the building that was the birthplace for my LOVE of junior hockey..