Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/375259
F a l l 2 0 1 4 | w e s t w o r l d 29 Gretzky-Mario Lemieux rivalry. There's something here for every Cana- dian. I squinted curiously at a leather belly pad worn by Saskatchewan-born goalie legend Terry Sawchuk and spotted a gold Tissot watch given to Winnipeg-born Jonathan Toews after he entered the International Ice Hockey Federation's Triple Gold Club by win- ning the 2010 Stanley Cup. Rush drummer Neil Peart's massive kit, featuring the logos of all 30 NHL teams, stands next to the TSN/RDS Broadcast Zone. ere, I breathlessly recorded my own play-by- play of historic hockey moments. In the NHL Be a Player Zone, I scored twice on five shots against a life-size, computer-simulated goalie. (Regrettably, no scouts were watching.) The oddities intrigued me, like the tiny black-and-white TV Frank Mahovlich received when Toronto won the 1964 Cup. Or a Bally pinball machine with Bobby Orr beaming in a Chicago Blackhawks sweater. Awe overwhelmed me while exploring a full-sized replica of the Montreal Canadiens 1980s Gretzky doll, lunchbox and Shreddies box make me smile nostalgically. I was hun- gry for more. I ordered cheddar and potato perogies fried in duck fat – "Grandma Gretzky's favou- rite" – along with Wayne's Wings in garlic Par- mesan butter and a Great One Burger with "99" stamped on the bun. I love Gretzky's menu, but I'm unsure how he won nine Hart Trophies on this heart-stopping diet. "That's a lot of food," warned my waiter, whose perfectly coiffed hair made him look like a 20-something version of NHL referee Kerry Fraser. "at's OK, I have a great metab- olism," I shot back. I savoured every rich bite while watching six different NHL games on flat-screen TVs. I slept comfortably at the Eaton Chelsea. Canada's largest hotel boasts as many rooms as Phil Esposito had career points (1,590). is mid-priced, centrally located institution brims with options – from air-hockey tables in the Family Fun Zone to an in-house ticketing ser- vice for sports and theatre events. Because hockey and beer are inseparable, and because Toronto's a handy hub for catch- ing up with friends and family, I met an old running pal for lunch the next day at Bier Markt. I admired the dark wood furnishings, sus- pended kegs and medieval-style murals in this open space, sipping complimentary Ger- man wheat beer samples before choosing a refreshing Unibroue Blanche de Chambly from Quebec. The 450-capacity Esplanade eatery has recently hosted members of the Leafs and Washington Capitals, general manager Rich- ard Beyak tells us. Presumably, the pros don't come pre-game. Tasting more than 150 beers from more than 30 countries might throw their slapshots off. My chicken schnitzel was giving 110 per cent, but the dessert pairing of strawberry shortcake with Früli – a Belgian strawberry beer – really elevated the performance. "If you need to get your date in a hockey mood, this is great forechecking," my friend quipped as we headed out. We made a pilgrimage to the Hockey Hall of Fame – offering 5,130 square metres of constantly updated exhibits, this might be Toronto's most compelling attraction. e new Stanley's Game Seven 3D movie captures the childlike enthusiasm and body-crunching intensity of Canadian recreational hockey players. Its pounding soundtrack comple- ments well-chosen allusions to the classic