Cody Hodgson to meet with fans

By Mark Arike - Staff Writer | October 12, 2017

Haliburton has a special place in Cody Hodgson’s heart.

The retired NHL star began skating on Haliburton Lake as a child and played a few seasons with the Haliburton Huskies. He grew up in a hockey family, and along the way, made vital connections with the local greats.

“I think it instilled the passion in me that I grew up with,” said Hodgson, referring to playing the sport.

Hodgson, now 27, lived in Haliburton until 1998 before moving to Markham with his family. He recalls going to JoAnne Sharpley’s Source for Sports (then known as Sharpley’s Source for Sports) to get his skates sharpened, having a meal at McKecks and working out at Ron Stackhouse’s gym.

“My dad grew up with Bernie Nicholls. Every time we’d see Bernie, I’d always ask for his advice,” he said, adding that he received valuable advice from all of them. Hodgson also trained with Matt Duchene.

It’s similar to the mentorship Hodgson is currently offering children as the lead alumni of the Nashville Predators’ Little Preds Learn to Play program. He started a year ago, after retiring from the NHL. A rare health condition, known as malignant hyperthermia, led to his retirement.

This weekend, Hodgson will interact with fans and sign autographs. He’s looking forward to seeing familiar faces and being part of the festivities.

“I think it’s going to be a great couple of days,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for us to show the rest of Canada … what a great hockey town Haliburton is.”

He also thinks it’s important to support an event that will be donating $15,000 to the Highland Storm Minor Hockey Association through Scotiabank.

Hodgson visits Haliburton in the summers. He and his family cottage on Haliburton Lake and Percy Lake.

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