Rogers Hometown Hockey co-host Tara Slone visited Ladysmith on Tuesday to interview former NHL defenceman Doug Bodger and take a paddle with the Chemainus native in the harbour.
Cowichan Valley is playing host to the fourth season of the tour Jan. 21-22. A full weekend of festivities is being planned, culminating in an outdoor viewing party of a NHL broadcast.
Slone interviewed Bodger before two guides from Sealegs Kayaking took them out onto the water.
The footage will be part of the pre-show that will air nationally on Sportsnet prior to the game between the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets.
Bodger was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1984 and played over 1,000 games in the NHL. He also represented Canada at three World Championships, helping his country win a silver medal at the 1996 tournament.
He is currently the assistant coach with the Victoria Royals.
Filming wrapped up just after noon in Ladysmith and crews were expected to be at Fuller Lake Arena later in the day.
A shortlist of potential venues in Cowichan for the Hometown Hockey broadcast have been selected and a final decision is expected in the coming weeks.
The free, family-friendly weekend will include interactive games and activities celebrating all things hockey, plus live entertainment, a chance to meet NHL alumni and lots of free contest and giveaways.
The estimated economic impact for Cowichan Valley from the event is $1 million.
