Community Pride Runs Deep in Garden River
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by: Alexandra Syrette
GARDEN RIVER, ON – Last night’s game 4 of the Stanley cup finals was a heart breaker for the L.A Kings, but only elevates the already climatic anticipation for supporters in Garden River, with a true connection to this year’s quest for the cup.Garden Rivers own Jordan Nolan has proved himself an asset throughout the series the 6’3, 227 pound forward has been instrumental in the team’s playoff run. One of two call up’s from the Los Angeles Kings farm team midseason, Nolan has been an essential member of the team. Nolan has attracted attention from international media for his efforts but the fan fare in Garden River is un-paralleled.
Local fans social media dedicated to #71 shout outs, Garden River lawns adorned with homemade signs to show the support for one of their own, as well as packed living rooms with friends and family wanting to share the momentous occasion of the games together, are a few examples of Garden River’s overflowing support for Nolan and his Kings.
The surmounting fan support gave Garden River’s Recreation Manager Andy Rickard the idea to host the final games in the gymnasium of the Recreation Centre to provide a communal area for fans to celebrate the games together. Rickard commented on the development of the community gatherings, “good ideas were brought forward by community members and the rest fell into place”.
Wednesday’s game was broadcast live at the Recreation Centre via projector providing HD quality, on a theatre-sized scale. Game 4’s community event drew around 50 individuals, many of them families.
Due to limited promotion of the initial gathering attendance wasn’t quite as anticipated however, Rickard is hoping for a packed house this Saturday, June 9, 2012 for Game 5 at 8:00 pm and encourages all fans to attend.
