Game On Magazine - April 2017 Game on Preview Edition | Page 73

As fans surround the
Jets booth, Ken Dryden
keeps an eye on the Expo
What these vendors and
attendees are looking for is
interactivity and this year, the
hockey community will get
plenty of interactivity.
“We found that the most
successful booths were
the ones that engaged the
attendees,” said Hannah.
“Over the off-season, most
people have been away from
the rink, so they have the itch.
They want to stickhandle,
shoot a puck, run around,
check out new gear. And
indeed, that is what you will
find at this year’s Canadian
Hockey Expo.”
It’s one of the biggest
reasons why Balmer and
Hannah needed more space
this year.
As an example, one of the
premier Fun Zones at the
CHE with be FloorBall Plus.
A concept with close ties to
WHA Winnipeg Jets’ legend
Norm Beaudin (Norm’s son
Greg runs the company) and
superstar FloorBall player
Pavel Barber, Floorball is an
up and coming hockey trend
and an interesting new take
on Floor Hockey. FloorBall
focuses on skill and stamina
and serves as an excellent
off-season fitness tool. Once
again, there will be a 30-foot
x 60-foot FloorBall rink at
the CHE where attendees
can interact and show off
their skills.
“Another important thing
we learned,” said Balmer, “was
to partner with our governing
hockey bodies. Hockey
Manitoba has been a fabulous
ally in supporting our show.
They understand the benefit of
having a third party bring the
Hockey Community together.
They have enough on their
plate so this is an area where
we can help each other. Hockey
Manitoba will have a big
presence at this year’s Expo.”
Meanwhile, Sport Manitoba
is another organization that
will have a major presence
at this year’s CHE. Having
just played host to a very
successful Canada Summer
Games, Sport Manitoba will
once again showcase the
Manitoba Hockey Hall of
Fame.
And, as always, there will
be a free pancake breakfast for
the kids on Saturday morning
and lots of exciting hockey
talk with local and out of town
hockey personalities at our
exclusive Game On Lounge.
The speakers will include the
top hockey trainers in the
province, players, coaches and
business people with ideas and
products to make your hockey
experience even more exciting.
“All in all, if you love
hockey, you should be at the
CHE,” said Balmer with a
wide smile. “I guarantee, there
is something for the entire
family.” ❍
“
people
want to
stickhandle,
shoot a
puck, run
around,
check out
new gear
”
SEPTEMBER 2017 | GAME ON | 7 3