Hockey Day In Canada in Owen Sound seemed like a dream until national icon broadcaster Ron MacLean finally appeared on the Roxy stage as the host of Music Of Hockey.

When the puck dropped for Owen Sound's Hockey Day In Canada at the Roxy Wednesday night Ansley Simpson took possession and fired a winner into the sold-out seats.

The Anishinaabe singer-songwriter, backed by the enthusiastic BidiniBand, opened Music Of Hockey on the Roxy Theatre stage beginning an evening of hockey songs and stories.

She was given a rousing reception by the capacity crowd, setting a high bar for the following acts. To the delight of the audience, that high bar was joyfully maintained throughout the evening.

Ansley Simpson sings of Maple Leaf captain George Armstrong, one of the NHL's first Indigenous players and scorer of the final goal of the Leaf's most recent Stanley Cup victory (against the over-confident Montreal Canadiens), with BidiniBand members guitarist Paul Linklater, left, Don Kerr on drums, Doug Friesen on bass, and Dave Bidini, right, in fedora on guitar.

Owen Sound broadcasting legend Fred Wallace pauses during his boisterous welcome from the Roxy capacity audience after he took the stage to introduce Music Of Hockey.

Owen Sound Ice Hawks treat everyone like a star outside the Roxy Theatre.

It's time for your close-up, Owen Sound. SportsNet will broadcast the Scotiabank Hockey Day In Canada celebrations.

First up was the choir, unexpectedly belting out AC/DC's Thunderstruck.

Rob Elder, top, and Tyler Beckett, below, pair up.

Stephen Stanley, known for his work in Lowest Of The Low, cranks out a foot-stomper.

The sold-out audience at the Roxy buzzing with excitement.

Hockey Day In Canada festivites continue through Saturday, the City has details here.

– by Hub staff
David Galway