THIS IS A STORY ABOUT diehard hockey fans from two communities with a shared passion. Years back, Winnipeg and Belleville lost their hockey teams for a spell. But supporters never gave up hope, and today hockey is thriving in both locales. To celebrate the bond the sport has with its country of origin — with help from CAA — some folks were treated to a hockey exchange trip.

Belleville

The hockey history of note in Belleville goes back to the 1950s, when the Belleville McFarlands won the 1958 Canadian Senior A Championship. Since then, different teams have represented Belleville, most notably the Belleville Bulls, who played in the Ontario Hockey League for 34 seasons. But when the Bulls moved to Hamilton in 2015, it left a huge void — and created a great opportunity. In 2017, the Belleville Senators — the top farm team (or feeder club) of the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators — came to town.

The main arena at the Quinte Sports Centre was renovated and renamed CAA Arena in 2018. Belleville’s great location and storied hockey legacy made the city an ideal market to grow players and brand allegiance. “The team is such an important part of the community,” says Jae Cheyne, a devoted hockey fan and Senators season ticket holder who recently enjoyed a hockey experience that he and his family won't soon forget.

In January, Cheyne and his son Brennan, along with Troy Belch and his wife, Kim, were among the winners of the “On the Road with CAA” contest, sending lucky Senators fans to Winnipeg for a game — and the VIP treatment. They met the players, toured the Canada Life Centre and watched the pregame warm-up from the players’ bench. They also received local-attraction passes from Tourism Winnipeg. “Without a doubt, the highlight of our trip was our visit to Canada Life Centre,” Cheyne says. “[It’s] an amazing venue and we really enjoyed the tour and behind-the-scenes access.”

Winnipeg

In 1996, Winnipeg lost its NHL team to Arizona and the Jets took part of the city’s identity with them. To fill the void, a group of local entrepreneurs, including Mark Chipman, purchased the Minnesota Moose of the International Hockey League. They moved the team into the Winnipeg Arena, where they enjoyed high attendance and deep community involvement.

The move led to the construction of the Canada Life Centre downtown, which, some say, helped spur the NHL’s return in 2011. For many fans, their true allegiance remains with the Moose. “We thought having tickets would move us to the front of the line if the NHL came back, but we also really liked the hockey, and it was a great product and a great atmosphere,” says Brian Baxter, an avid Moose fan.

In January, Baxter and his wife, Linda, joined Nick Sinclair and his father, Brian, on the second portion of “On the Road with CAA.” Like the travelling Winnipeg contest winners, they got similar VIP treatment as they got to see their beloved Moose play in Belleville and to meet the players. They even took in a Mirvish performance and toured Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. “How does one even explain to family and friends what a personal experience this trip provided?” Baxter says. “Occasionally, you get to experience in life something special, and certainly this trip filled that bill.”

CAA South Central Ontario Members can enter the 2024 “On the Road with CAA” contest here.

"On the Road with CAA" will open for entries in Manitoba on December 4, 2024.