A unique partnership in Saskatoon is helping to bring an iconic book and movie to life.
The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Saskatoon Blades and SaskTel Centre announced Tuesday an adaptation of “The Hockey Sweater” will be performed live on ice March 15.
The short story by Roch Carrier follows a young Montreal Canadiens fan growing up in Sainte-Justine, Que. He and his friends idolize Montreal’s star player, Maurice Richard, but when the boy is mistakenly shipped a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater, he is ridiculed by his peers and coach.
The book was first published in 1979 and was adapted by the Canadian Film Board one year later.
Mayor Don Atchison will narrate the Saskatoon symphony adaptation as illustrations from the book play on the scoreboard.
The ice surface will open for public skating following the performance.
“We thought it was just a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all aspects of community, and hockey is a great platform. It’s a really common bond amongst Canadians,” said Saskatoon Blades president Steve Hogle. “We can use that as leverage to get in to things like music and literature and celebrate those aspects of culture as well.”
Tickets go on sale Saturday.
Watch the Canadian Film Board's version of "The Hockey Sweater" below:
