NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — When Colleen Hawley thought about writing a third installment of The Hockey Monologues, she wondered if she’d have enough material to stage an entire third show.
She didn’t need to worry.
“I wound up shortening and cutting some monologues altogether, to keep it from going on for three hours,” says the Merigomish resident with a laugh.
The Hockey Monologues – The Final Buzzer follows, It’s Not Just a Game – The Hockey Monologues, and The Hockey Monologues – The Second Period, which were performed the past two years in support of the Weeks Major Midgets hockey team. The upcoming show is being put on at North Nova Education Centre on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.
Anyone who’s seen one of the previous installments of The Hockey Monologues will recognize some of the characters in this year’s version of the show, which features local actors.
“We have some recurring characters,” says Hawley. “‘Doug,’ the obnoxious and loud hockey dad from The Second Period is back. Twice. So is a certain opinionated and overdressed hockey mom, this time with her three girls in tow – three young ladies who would love nothing more than to go into the corners with a pitbull and come out chewing on the puck.”
The comical take on hometown hockey is based on things Hawley has witnessed over more than 20 years she’s been involved with the sport, as her own boys came up the ranks.
She says this year’s show is a “little edgier.” It contains a few skits with more serious subjects, such as The Little Red Ball, one of Hawley’s favourites because it focuses on programs that provide financial assistance for kids to participate in sports.
“Organized sports are so beneficial to kids, and sadly out of reach for many Canadian families,” she said. “Hockey especially is very expensive and requires a huge financial and time commitment from the whole family. Organizations like Jump Start, KidsSport, and Play the Pros are so necessary. I've known a few families who benefited from these programs, and have had extra kids with us on many tournament and away-game weekends. I’m hoping to remind people that these programs are there, and to maybe put a face on it to remind them of how important this is to these kids.”
This year Hawley also tried something new and wrote the lyrics for a comedic song about a boy not getting much ice time, called Riding the Pine.
Hawley’s son Mason was a member of the Major Midget team when the first two editions of The Hockey Monologues were staged. She says she wanted to continue with the fundraiser this year, even though Mason has graduated from midget hockey.
“I see the benefits to the kids playing at this level, and recognize the insane costs to ice them. So if this helps even one family then it’s completely worth it.”
Hawley says she patterned the shows after the game of hockey, with three periods. But she hints there may be overtime or a shootout next year. “I love to write. It’s what I do every day to relax,” she says.
The Hockey Monologues – The Final Buzzer is being dedicated to Daniel Arsenault, an 18-year-old Trenton resident and avid hockey fan, who recently died. Hawley says she worked with Arsenault’s father Kenny at the Aberdeen Hospital for years.
“Daniel was one of the most amazing human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. His positive outlook, kindness, and resiliency were an inspiration to everyone who knew him or knew of him. Daniel’s love of the game was evident. I loved chatting with him and his dad at the (Weeks Jr. A) Crushers’ games and loved that he was such a devoted Leafs fan.”
In honour of Daniel, donations will be collected for Muscular Dystrophy before the show and during intermission. As well, donations for Kidsport will be accepted at the show.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by contacting Jacqueline Schnare at 902-759-0655.
