Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots September 28th

By Hartley Miller

There are some things in life that cannot be changed.  For instance, Prince George can’t relocate or change the north’s harsh winter weather. However, PG certainly has changed its image.

Prince George does not host pro teams; however, following the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre (NSC) official opening there is now a “big league” atmosphere in and around B.C.’s Northern Capital.

The process of changing the city's image started with the building of Masich Place Stadium,  CN Centre, Aquatic Centre, and the Citizen Field Ball Park, just to name a few. Of course, the NSC heads the list of new landmarks.

The details and features inside the facility, have been well-documented (refer to www.northernsportcentre.ca). The structure definitely lives up to the hype and glamour.

Perhaps, NSC’s most attractive feature is its widespread accessibility, and use for residents of Northern BC.  People, regardless of age, athletic ability or competitiveness can now capitalize on the unique opportunity and use this state of the art 30.75-million-dollar facility. The facility was not built just for UNBC students, elitists, or high profile sports.  Of course, these sectors will proudly be able to take advantage of this resource. Moreover, UNBC is now in a position of recruiting students from all regions, especially now that they have the “goods to deliver”.

“It is a legacy. It’s an Olympic legacy. It will be here for generations. It’s for every sport group. It’s for the community, it’s for the university, it’s for elite athletes and it’s just for those that want to walk around a beautiful track and get some exercise. It’s a wonderful, wonderful facility, “ said a very proud former UNBC President Dr Charles Jago.

During the official opening ceremonies (which was impressively completed in one hour), the man who the facility was named after, had difficulty containing his tears of joy. “I was just sitting there as a spectator and enjoying it and when I got that extended round of applause, I wasn’t emotionally ready for it. It was very moving indeed”, said Jago.

Later in the same day, Jago, the board chair of Northern Health, was in attendance when the provincial government announced that Prince George will receive a cancer clinic in five years. This positive news can be directly attributed to Dr. Jago and former board chair of Northern Health, Jeff Burghardt’s cancer consultation report.  Now that's a successful double-header.  

Back to the NSC!  Jago captured the feelings of the many tireless workers that were responsible for making the Sports Centre a reality by saying, “It’s tremendously exciting. A lot of people have worked over many years to produce a facility like this. It’s a dream come true. What has been achieved here is larger, a greater facility than we ever thought possible.”

Without doubt, there were no corners cut in the design. Attention to detail was meticulous. The integrity and credibility of this project remains unchallenged, especially in light of the fact that the project met budget, and deadlines. 

In addition, on this same day, CN Centre’s new video score clock was used for the first time at a Cougars regular season game. This state of the art million dollar system features four giant screens. Replays are shown throughout the game, and at the end of periods. The score clock won’t help the Cougars win, but it adds class and enjoyment.

It may be an old cliché’, but you only live once. It may have taken some time but the culture in Prince George is now starting to evolve. There’s nothing wrong with upper class treatment and living the life of riley.

From the quote rack:

“In his honor many will observe a moment of conversation.”Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California, on the passing of Marcel Marceau.

“With the death of Marcel Marceau the only mime left in the world of entertainment is New England coach Bill Belichick. Coach Belichick said he knew Marceau was ailing as he could read all the signs.”Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

“There are a lot of different versions of what happened. Luckily, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was there and videotaped the whole thing." NBC's Jay Leno, on the alleged O.J. Simpson armed robbery in a Las Vegas hotel room.

“Chinese team coach Chen-Ming Belichick angrily denies the accusations.”Headline at Fark.com, on allegations that China's Women's World Cup soccer team spied on its opponents' workouts.

“Gordie Howe has filed a restraining order on his neighbors, Lionel and Karen Dorfman, claiming that the Dorfmans have been spying on him. When informed of the 17,000 photos a day taken of the hockey legend's house, the Patriots called the Dorfmans in for an interview.”Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“After being arrested for armed robbery of sports memorabilia, former football great O.J. Simpson announced today that he was the author of a new book entitled, 'If I Robbed Them.' “ Andy Borowitz at borowitzreport .com

“Apparently his marriage couldn't be fixed." Seattle Times desk editor Scott Hanson, after the wife of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy filed for divorce.

And in case you missed it:

Garinger High School in South Carolina had to reschedule a football game because of  too many  goose visits to its field. That prompted this headline in the San Diego Tribune: “Too pooped to play.”

And how was your week?

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com

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