Although spring represents the start of a new season and warmer weather, it also represents an exciting time of year for many people across the country.
First, there is the NHL playoffs that are about to begin. Then there are the Juno Awards, which honor the best in Canadian music. And of course, warmer weather also means a new golf season is approaching.
As some of Canada’s best musicians and athletes take to the ice for a friendly and brilliant game of hockey at the annual Juno Cup this weekend, a number of participants describe themselves as golfers; and talk excitedly about the upcoming golf season.
BURNABY, BC – MARCH 22: Singer Shawn Hook attends Juno Cup practice at Bill Copeland Sports Center on March 23, 2018 in Burnaby, Canada. (Photo by Phillip Chin/Getty Images)
“I’m very excited about spring and the upcoming golf season,” said 2018 Juno finalist Shawn Hook. “I feel pretty good about my driving and irons, but I really need to tighten up my game short.”
The “Reminding Me” singer, who spends half his time in Los Angeles, says he hits the golf course more often than the ice.
“I would say my golf game is a little better just because in Los Angeles there is no snow, so I also go to the golf course in the winter; and I’m excited to say I’m going to be playing at Pinehurst in a tournament for the first time in May,” he said with a smile.
This year’s Juno Awards host, Michael Bublé, is also known to be an avid golfer.
“Golf is a fun and very challenging sport. So it’s easy to see why it’s a sport enjoyed by so many,” added Hook.
Although the talented Canadian musician has enjoyed consistent chart success over the past two years, Hook says he looks forward to continuing this upward trend in the years to come.
Hook is quick to point out Smith Falls’ Brooke Henderson that he looks forward to seeing continued success on the golf course.
“I’m a huge fan of Brooke. I think she’s incredible and I can’t wait to see her win more big tournaments this year,” he said of the 2017 Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year.
Henderson also has another fan and supporter in 2014 Lou Marsh Award winner Kaillie Humphries.
“I hear a lot about Brooke and know she’s had a lot of success on the golf course; so I’m definitely supporting her this year,” said the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Similar to Hook, Humphries ranks his golf game slightly ahead of his hockey game.
“I have to admit my golf game is a little better than my hockey game,” Humphries noted with a smile.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the ice, so my skating skills may not be at the same level as the other participants,” she explained.
Humphries will be joined by a group of former NHL greats, members of the Canadian Olympic women’s hockey team and musicians – including Hook – at the Juno Cup.
The event has raised over $700,000 in support of the Canadian music industry since 2004; and will be played this evening at the Bill Copeland Sports Complex in Burnaby, British Columbia.
“Canada has so many talented musicians – some are already established and many are rising through the ranks. So it’s just great to be able to take part in this brilliant hockey game that supports our Canadian musicians,” said Humphries.
“It will also be amazing to play alongside some of the Canadian Olympians this weekend, like Natalie Spooner, and other women from the Canadian Olympic team.”
The well-spoken and thoughtful bobsleigh legend emphasizes that it is certainly a noble Canadian trait to support other Canadians in all industries and sports.
“After competing at the Olympics, it was a great feeling to be able to encourage and support other Canadian athletes, and it’s something that has kind of stayed with me,” she said.
“And at the end of the day, I grew up in Canada and I’m a proud Canadian; so I will support Canadians of all professions and support them as much as I can.
