The NHL season starts this week with Montreal in Toronto, Vancouver in Calgary, New York in Chicago, and San Jose in Los Angeles… and to get us all ready for hockey we recruited 10 of our own Canadian Country Music All-Stars to give us their preview!
We asked each artist 3 questions (Favourite Team, Why/How Long Have You Loved Them, What Do You Expect This Season) and got some awesome answers.
HUGE thanks are going out to Chad Brownlee, Brett Kissel, Bobby Wills, Lindsay Broughton, Tim Chaisson, David Roberts, Cory Marquardt, Tim Hicks, Petric, and Yoan for playing along with our brand new idea this season. We love that there is so much love for puck in the country music community.
So, have a look and see which singer shares the same NHL team love affair as you – and leave a comment to tell us your favorite team, the story of you loving them, and what you expect from them this season!
2015-16 NHL Preview!
Chad Brownlee
Vancouver Canucks
Why / How long have you loved them?
Since I can remember. Growing up in BC with my Dad being a huge Canucks fan made it pretty easy to decide which team to cheer for!
What do you expect from them this season?
I think the changes they made last season was the beginning of something great. This year is simply going to add to the success that I see growing in years to come!
Brett Kissel
EDMONTON OILERS
Why / How long have you loved them?
“I’ve literally loved the Oilers since I was born. Interesting story, I was born the day the Oilers won their last Stanley Cup in 1990. My brother thinks I’m a curse to the team, because as long as I’ve been alive, they haven’t won the cup since…”
What do you expect from them this season?
“I truly believe that the Oilers will make the playoffs this year. With all that young star power, I mean, they’ve got to! If Calgary got into the playoffs this past season, then the Oilers NEED to!”
Note: On September 3, 2015 at the CNE in Toronto, Brett gave the crowd a guarantee that the Maple Leafs would make the playoffs this season. Remember that 😉
Bobby Wills
Calgary Flames
Why / How long have you loved them?
My favorite team as a little guy was the Bruins as we have Massachusetts roots, but the battle of Alberta pulled me in.
What do you expect from them this season?
A playoff spot, hard to say from there. The west is so competitive it is going to be a dog fight!!
Lindsay Broughton
What is your favorite NHL team?
The Detroit Red Wings
Why / How long have you loved them?
HA! Weeell this isn’t awkward at all! To be quite honest I’m fairly new on the Detroit bandwagon! I was a long time lover, supporter and most often defender of the Leafs (stop laughing!) However I was forced to change my ways, burn the blue clothes, convert and become the enemy when I started dating a player in the Detroit organization about a year and a half ago. Yep, I am the ultimate traitor but if it’s any consolation sometimes I still secretly cheer for the Leafs… shhh..
What do you expect from them this season?
Uhmm a cup? haha..kidding. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens without Babcock being there but obviously I’m excited about the season and have faith that the new changes are going to bring big things.
Tim Chaisson
Montreal Canadiens!
Why / How long have you loved them?
Well, my father pretty much brainwashed my brothers and I since we were born to love the Habs, so as long as I can remember I guess!
What do you expect from them this season?
I’d love to see a strong play-off season myself! I also think it’s pretty cool that P.K. Subban is giving so much back to the community.
David Roberts of The Washboard Union
Toronto Maple Leafs
Why / How long have you loved them?
Since I was a kid of 6, we had seasons tickets at Maple Leaf Gardens, up in the Blues, Section 29
What do you expect from them this season?
Here are my 2015/2016 predictions:
a) In a Wed Oct 7th press release it will be revealed that The Leafs will work a deal with season ticket holders who will now only pay for winning games.
b) It’s a rebuild year, or decade or whatever the term is for the 49 odd years they have been waiting to win the cup back….
c) Record Producer and world’s biggest Leaf fan GGGarth Richardson will be hired as the new head coach and will guide the team to victory and win the 2015/2016 Stanley Cup aka La Coupe Stanley
d) The Leafs will continue to sell out night after night…Go Leafs Go
Cory Marquardt
Toronto Maple Leafs
Why / How long have you loved them?
My Dad is from Toronto and my grandpa was a big fan. I still picture them in 94-96 Potvin, Clark, Gilmore, Tie Domi and the list goes on
What do you expect from them this season?
They made some pretty big changes and I’m sure they’ll be making more. Not sure what to expect but I see them winning a cup in 20**…
Tim Hicks
I’m a Leafs guy
Why / How long have you loved them?
It’s sort of ingrained in the culture where I grew up that you must be a Leafs fan or face the consequences lol! Geographically, they’re the closest Canadian team and I always root for home.
What do you expect from them this season?
I’m expecting them to finally throw us a bone! Come on boys!!
Petric
We’re both huge Jets fans! Toms also has a love for the Detroit Red Wings
Why / How long have you loved them?
We’ve been proud jets fans, even the years they didn’t exist in the league. Those were the years the Red Wings jersey got worn a lot. The year we both started playing hockey the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup, and Stevie Yzerman was Toms all time favorite player.
What do you expect from them this season?
The Jets have a lot of young blood, which may bring some growing pains, but should also bring a lot of exciting hockey. GO JETS GO!
Yoan
The Montreal Canadians.
Why / How long have you loved them?
I think Hockey is a part of our culture and heritage and so are the Montreal Canadians. I played hockey for 5 years and my dad has always been a really big fan of the team so we used to watch the games together when I was growing up. The last two years have been so busy for me that I don’t have as much time to follow hockey religiously as I did before but I try to support the team every time I can.
What do you expect from them this season?
I wish them the best and hopefully the Stanley Cup!
