Legendary hockey broadcaster Brian McFarlane was on hand at the Northumberland Arts Gallery & Shop in Port Hope on Saturday for his exhibition A Man of All Seasons: The Joy of Pond Hockey.
McFarlane, who is 94 years old, served as a host and commentator on Hockey Night in Canada for around 27 years. He later found joy in acrylic painting, especially pond hockey scenes.
“They seem to be popular with the people, even though a lot fewer of them are skating on ponds anymore,” McFarlane said.
McFarlane said he started painting in his youth, but was deterred by a high football coach who said there would be no art students on the team.
“I gave up art for about 50 years and I wish I could tell that coach what I thought about him compared to art and I would pick art anytime because I was a lousy football player. I couldn’t do anything but fumble the ball better than anybody,” he said.
Rediscovering his love of art has meant a lot to McFarlane.
“Just today at a show like this, I couldn’t imagine myself years ago being in an art show and having my paintings on the wall and people buying some of them, not all, but I don’t expect to sell them all,” he said.
Asked if he still follows hockey, McFarlane confessed he’ll fall asleep for most Toronto Maple Leafs games now.
“I’m surprised because I was such an avid fan, but frankly some of the other teams, I might mention Montreal, put on a little flashier skating show than the Leafs do most nights, but they’re up there in the standings and that’s what people want. They want them to win.”
McFarlane believes he and his wife, Joan, might be one of the oldest couples to witness the Leafs win a Stanley Cup as they did back in 1967.
Watch the full video of the interview with McFarlane as he spoke more about that last Stanley Cup win by the Leafs, the recent playoff disappointments, how he’s seen hockey change, Peter Puck, residing in Northumberland County during warmer seasons with his wife who he’ll celebrate a 70th wedding anniversary with this summer and more.
The exhibit will be on display at the gallery at 8 Queen Street in Port Hope until Feb. 8.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
