Kraft Hockeyville celebrations welcome NHL players to Sudbury

It was an exciting weekend for hockey fans in Sudbury, as the city hosted an NHL preseason game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Ottawa Senators at Sudbury Arena on Sunday as part of Elliot Lake’s Kraft Hockeyville win.

The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Ottawa Senators at Sudbury Arena on Sunday as part of Elliot Lake’s Kraft Hockeyville win. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News)

Rose Duhaime is an Elliot Lake resident and volunteer who was a part of the city’s big win.

"I was a part of Elliot Lake Viking minor hockey participant for many years. I was president of minor hockey for many years. I've had three boys in hockey. Our arena was our second home," Duhaime said.

"Elliot Lake is Kraft Hockeyville. The whole town got together. We worked really hard and we won."

Elliot Lake resident Autumn Macguire attended the game with her daughter, Hadley.

"We are extremely grateful for Kraft Hockeyville to have the opportunity to win this for our arena in Elliot Lake," said Macguire.

"We're proud to be here today."

The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Ottawa Senators at Sudbury Arena on Sunday as part of Elliot Lake’s Kraft Hockeyville win. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News)

The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Ottawa Senators at Sudbury Arena on Sunday as part of Elliot Lake’s Kraft Hockeyville win. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News)

Fans arrived outside the arena Sunday to line up at the red-carpet area early, the crowd growing to hundreds by late morning.

Nicky Roberge and her family were the first in line at 6 a.m.

"The boys were up at two o’clock this morning," Roberge said. "We’re really excited to be here."

The Ottawa Senators arrived for the red-carpet event at 8:30 a.m., welcomed by cheers from fans.

In an interview with CTV News, Drake Batherson, an Ottawa Senators player, said it brought a smile to his face seeing all the young fans.

'I was one of those kids'

"A long time ago, I was one of those kids, trying to get the players’ autographs," Batherson said.

"And I come from a small town myself, so I know how much this means for these guys to have an NHL game here. And we're super excited to be here."

Sens defenceman Travis Hamonic said events like this bring him back to his roots.

"This is why we play hockey. You know, we're in the NHL, and it's an amazing job in life," Hamonic said.

"But you really look at this and this really brings you back to being a kid, as we all were growing up."

For some, they had one person in mind that they wanted to see: Pens superstar Sidney Crosby.

"We’re really hoping to see Crosby," said Rob Dagostino, who attended with his son, Angelo.

"Really, we’re excited to meet any of the NHL players."

Chanting Crosby's name

The crowd began chanting Crosby’s name half an hour before the Pittsburgh Penguins’ bus arrived, growing deafening once the number 87 jersey was spotted.

Crosby said the event is about bringing the community together.

"Obviously, you know, you can tell the passion for the game is here," he said.

"It's something that's ingrained in the community like it is in so many communities. You know, I think that it's an important part."

Fans were able to witness both teams practise hours before the big game and ask players questions. For some, it was their first NHL experience.

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"It's always been my dream to come to an NHL game," said Bentley Lobber, who was attending the game with his father.

"What would be better is if it was Leafs. But at least it’s an NHL game."

The Penguins ended up defeating the Senators 5-2, but some fans said it was a win for the whole community.

"I think it's awesome for the local community," said Ryan Clement, a hockey fan.

"I mean, to get something like this here is a big deal."