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CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI — The provincial government is trying to woo Prince Edward Island during the National Hockey League’s annual awards ceremony.
During an intermission at the NHL All-Star Game on February 4, Sportsnet TV host Ron MacLean asked NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman about the Island government’s request -Prince Edward.
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Bettman told MacLean he had discussions with Premier Dennis King.
SaltWire Network contacted the NHL on February 6 to ask about MacLean’s interview.
“Premier King, in a recent conversation with Commissioner Bettman, expressed a desire to bring the awards to Prince Edward Island and we very much appreciated the expression of this interest,” he said. Gary Meagher, NHL senior executive vice president of communications, told SaltWire in a statement. email on Monday February 6.
“Currently, we are considering a number of location options for future awards shows.”
SaltWire asked what type of venue would be needed to host the NHL Awards, but Meagher did not respond.
In an email sent from the Prime Minister’s Office on the afternoon of February 7, King said discussions were underway regarding hosting the event.
“This would be a major event that would attract thousands of visitors and generate millions of dollars of economic activity in Prince Edward Island,” said the Premier.
“It would certainly be a feather in the island’s cap.” – John Abbott, Acting CEO of the Eastlink Center
Since 2009, the NHL Awards have been held in Las Vegas casinos and hotels. The 2022 show was hosted by Armature Works in Tampa, Florida, which includes several event spaces.
MacLean told SaltWire he thought it would be great if some sort of arrangement was possible.
“I think there are recent examples of hospitality in the Maritimes (that would be) great for the game,” MacLean said in an email. “Gary seemed enthusiastic when I brought up the subject.”
John Abbott, acting general manager of the Eastlink Center in Charlottetown, said if this happens it would be a major boost to the Island.
“It makes no difference (what the P.E.I. site hosts), it’s going to be great for the residents of the island,” Abbott said. “It would certainly be a feather in the Island’s cap.”
“We would be happy to play any role we could play, whether it be venue or otherwise. I’m curious to see where this goes. We don’t often get the opportunity to host something this prestigious. That would be great.”
Dave Stewart is a reporter for the SaltWire network in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached by email at (email protected) and followed on Twitter @DveStewart.
