My kids’ hockey worlds revolve around the Crosbys and the Matthews, watching as their teams (‘the Pittsburgs’ and the Leafs) rise and fall in the rankings and which players rack up the points.
But these present-day all-stars don’t really top the list (yet) when you tally up the all-time greats. A new exhibit in Toronto’s Hockey Hall of Fame shines a light on the legends who continue to lead the charts and have paved the way for the new NHL-ers.
9 & 99: The Howe and Gretzky Exhibition features two Canadian and all-time goal-scoring icons Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky with a dedicates space comparing the careers of “Mr. Hockey” and “The Great One.” The 150 artifacts include the likes of Howe’s gloves from his first Stanley Cup victory (1952) and Gretzky’s first pair of skates (1960s). The biggest wow: the stick and puck from Howe’s 801st NHL goal (from 1980), Gretzky’s record-breaking 802nd goal stick and puck (from 1994) and the net the goal was scored on.
My kids were impressed and gravitated as most kids do to the video playing the history of the two legends (videos online too.) They definitely needed me to read the labels to really grasp the milestones and historical importance. They reached their limit after about 30 minutes and wanted to head into the interactive spaces. And oh did we ever. Highly recommend the shoot out and goalie areas, 3D movie Game 7, plus the new display of goalie masks:
TRIP TIPS:
Getting there: The Hockey Hall of Fame is on the corner of Yonge and Front Street in Brookfield Place. Closest TTC stop is Union Station or King Station. If you’re driving, here are the directions and parking info.
Low down: Buy onlineTickets are $20 for adults $14 for kids (4-13) and $16 for seniors. Kids 3 and under are free. .
Snacks: The Marché is located in same area, which had a wee little indoor playspace the last time we were there. Next door is a sports bar called the Bottom Line – check the Hockey Hall of Fame website for a 10 % off promotion by showing your tickets.
In the hood: It’s a short walk east along Front St to Berczy Park (big fountain with the dog sculptures), St. Lawrence Market and the Museum of Illusions.
A couple blocks north along Yonge is The 7TO Pop-up Exhibition on the 7th floor of The Hudson’s Bay. It was fun:
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