Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty was the guest star in a minor ball hockey game Wednesday at the Comox Valley Sports Centre.
The two-time Stanley Cup winner, supporting a McDonald’s Canada program called atoMc Hockey, organized members of the Royals into small teams, playing for each side. Before the fun began, Doughty chatted with a few of the players. One of them asked his favourite flavour of Gatorade.
“This program is amazing,” said Doughty, who has supported the program since its inception six years ago. “Last year, I think it was 53,000 kids that we supported. The number one thing that we try to teach young kids is how important team work is. Obviously that’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my life.”
By winning a Golden Moments contest, the CV Minor Hockey Association Royals were treated to the game and a team party, hosted by McDonald’s Comox Valley franchisee Stuart Aldred.
Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-André Fleury and Olympic gold medallist Tessa Bonhomme, a member of the Canadian women’s hockey team at the 2010 Games in Vancouver, also support atoMc Hockey. In addition to the game and party, the program provides young players with jerseys, socks and other hockey equipment.
Along with his two Stanley Cup rings, Doughty won the Norris Trophy for the 2015/16 season as the NHL’s top defenceman. He also won an Olympic gold medal with the Canadian men’s hockey team in 2010.
It appears he and other NHL players won’t have an opportunity to win another gold medal for Canada next year because the league has decided not to send players to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
“Whether we go or we don’t is out of my control,” Doughty said. “Any time I can represent my country and play for Canada — obviously I love to do that — but I understand the business side of things in the NHL. It might not happen, but it could still happen, you never know… I would love to play for Team Canada again.”