A poster at Medicine Hat Public Library encourages the community to take in games. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Gates Guarin

Hatters, businesses, organizations ready for World Cup mania

Nov 23, 2022 | 5:16 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The World Cup has captured the attention of soccer fans all across the globe. This year’s tournament is extra special for Canadians, who get to cheer on the men’s team for the first time since 1986.

Hatters across the city are pulling out all the stops in support of Team Canada, as it begins its quest for a championship.

Sam Heap, soccer coach for the Medicine Hat College Rattlers, says having Canada on the world stage will get Canadians more enthused about the sport.

“It’s the first time you’ve really got the appetite of watching every game going on, just because Canada’s in it, and they may end up playing every one else in the tournament, so the excitement levels are through the roof, and it’s really exciting to see for everyone connected with soccer in the community.”

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Heap says players, like Calgary’s Sam Adekugbe and Edmonton superstar Alphonso Davies are serving as inspirations to his players.

“[Davies’] story is just unbelievable to buy in to, and a lot of soccer players are like ‘well, why not me? If he can go and do that, why not me?'” Heap says.

It’s not just the soccer community getting excited. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission has allowed bars to open in the morning for early games, something The Silver Buckle has taken full advantage of.

“We’ve decided to open up for all Canada and England games, so if England’s playing at six in the morning or Canada, we’ll be open a half hour previous to the kickoff,” night manager Dave Roberts says, adding the World Cup brings people together and hopes it will bring the city together as well.

“It’s exciting here, it’s exciting around Medicine Hat,” Roberts says. “Lots of following for soccer, and it’s nice being able to open up for special things, something other than hockey.”

“It’s a perfect time to build the game in the country…” _{-Sam Heap, MHC Rattlers soccer coach}

If bars aren’t your thing, Medicine Hat Public Library will be carrying most games which have a noon start time during their regular work hours. Ken Feser, chief librarian, says the idea to open up the library theatre for watch parties came from the London Public Library.

“It did take us a little bit to get the access to the games and everything like that, so we weren’t able to announce it quite as quick as we wanted, but we are hoping people come out for games as go on,” Feser says.

He adds the theatre will be open for anyone wanting to cheer on their favourite team, and is hoping more and more people come out and watch.

“It’s free, it’s fun, and I really do hope we get turnout because the crowd will make it more exciting.”

A viewing party is scheduled for this Sunday at 9 a.m., hosted by the Rattlers and the Medicine Hat Soccer Association. The viewing party will take place at the Esplanade, and Heap says the only stipulation is that you wear red to cheer on Team Canada. He hopes it becomes a big community event, and encourages anyone wanting to watch the game to come by.

Heap adds this is the moment to help build up Canada as a soccer nation.

“With this World Cup and the one in four years’ time, it’s a perfect time to build the game in the country and to take us to new levels.”