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THUNDER BAY – Hockey Night is Canada returned Saturday night. Fans got a full double double of Don Cherry. The National Hockey League (NHL) is back! Over three million Canadians tuned in to Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday night to cheer on their favourite teams. Fans of the game are legion in Thunder Bay and cross all ages.
Thunder Bay is a hockey hotbed producing some of the best hockey players in Canada. The Staal brothers are a home-grown pride and joy for many in the city.
The impact of the return of the National Hockey League is likely to impact home attendance at Thunder Bay games for the Thunder Bay North Stars and the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.
The North Stars are scheduled to take on the Duluth Clydesdales at Fort William Gardens tonight!
Hockey fans in Thunder Bay who follow the Staal brothers can now cheer for Carolina Hurricanes. Eric and Jordan Staal are leading the team.
Carolina vs Florida
Hurricanes vs Panthers 01/19/13 by NHL
Marc Staal is playing for the New York Rangers. The Rangers begin their 2013 regular season against the Boston Bruins tonight at TD Garden (7:00 p.m.), in an Original Six matchup. Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs, a die-hard Boston Bruin fan commented, “The Universe is unfolding as it should! The Bruins are 2-0 and off to a good start for winning half a Cup!”
The Bruins topped the Rangers 3-1 in the season opener.
Rangers vs Bruins
Rangers vs Bruins 01/19/13 by NHL
Leafs vs Canadiens
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens 01/19/13 by NHL
There are a legion of Toronto Maple Leaf and Montreal Canadiens fans across Canada, and of course in Thunder Bay.