Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown shows his passion for hockey during Newmarket stopover

The beginning of hockey season in Ontario stirs excitement in young and old alike. Known as one of the province's most prominent hockey enthusiasts, the Town of Newmarket Bulletin met with Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown while he was in Newmarket to talk about Canada's National Sport.

Mr. Brown fondly recalled playing hockey with the neighbourhood kids as the beginning of his love of the game

He mentioned his coaches and parents for encouraging him to play. Importantly, Patrick Brown's mother was a major influence on him, helping him to balance his passion for hockey with his commitments at school.

"My mother was a school teacher and she made it very clear that academics came first. I could play as much hockey as I liked but only if I was doing well in school."

Playing organized hockey as a youth ultimately led Mr. Brown to an interest in physical fitness as an adult. He continues to play hockey and he is an avid runner participating in marathons in his recreation time. He also uses the sport to raise money for the Royal Victoria Hospital with a celebrity game that includes many NHL alumni friends.

Patrick Brown also sees a strong connection between hockey and his home town, Barrie.

"There are some wonderful NHL alumni and current players with a history and connection to Barrie. I have been able to work with them to draw big name players to Barrie. In particular, Mike Gartner, Shayne Corson, Troy Crowder and Matt Beleskey have all lived in Barrie. Don Cherry played minor hockey in Barrie as well."

As the leader of a provincial political party, the Town of Newmarket Bulletin wondered if Mr. Brown ever felt conflicted whenever the Toronto Maple Leafs played the Ottawa Senators. Which team would he cheer for?

"I cheer for the Barrie Colts! Between Toronto and Ottawa, I am a Leafs fan but my hopes and expectations have been pretty low as during my life time I have paid witness to little success. I hope they win a cup in my life time. I know Toronto would go wild."