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"One of Canada's outstanding poets, songwriters, storytellers. That's David Francey with a lovely little tribute to tonight."

Ron MacLean, Hockey Night in Canada. November 22/03 following the airing of "Skating Rink" at the first Canadian Heritage Classic Hockey Game

"Skating Rink" can be heard each year on CBC television as part of their ad for Hockey Day in Canada. For more info on HDIC and to listen to the song go to the CBC site at cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hdic2006

With the JUNO nomination for his 4th CD, Waking Hour, David was invited to play goalie at the 2005 JUNO cup in Winnipeg, MB. David ended up in goal for the NHL team - imagine what a thrill that was! David's latest CD, Right of Passage won a 2008 JUNO and once again David was in net for the NHL team - lucky guy!

This photo of David in goal was taken at the 2005 JUNO Cup in Winnipeg, MB. David's Winnipeg team mates included Doug Gilmour, Brad Dalgarno, Dale Hawerchuk (ex-Jet), Dave Babych (ex-Jet) Perry Miller (ex-Jet), Wayne Babych, Jordy Douglas (ex-Jet), Ray Neufeld (ex-Jet) Ab McDonald (ex-Jet), Keith Tkachuk (ex-Jet), Kris King (ex-Jet), Mike Keane Scott Arniel (ex-Jet) and Ron MacLean

David was in goal for the NHL team again at this year's JUNO Cup! This year's NHL line-up included hockey legend Lanny McDonald reunited with his championship team mates Colin Patterson, Doug Gilmour and Jamie Macoun.  Juno Cup veterans such as Brad Dalgarno, Bob Probert, Geoff Courtnall, Mark Napier, Mike Pelyk, Perry Berezan, Brian Skrudland and Paul Coffey competed for the Juno Cup successfully defending their title and designate as The Greats.

David Francey on Hockey

My family immigrated to Canada from Ayrshire, Scotland. Ever since my first introduction to hockey in the Sixties, when the Leafs were winning cups and all was right with the world, I've loved the game. I would watch "Hockey Night in Canada" with my father and would play ball hockey until the streetlights came on or the curfew siren blew at the mill.

I came to the playing of the game late in life. That memorable day arrived when I was 30 years old and living in Toronto. I came across an ad in the paper touting the National Novice Hockey Association, fronted by none other than Gordie Howe. The association's intent was to provide a league in which the teams were made up of people who had never before played organized hockey. Up to that point I had never had the opportunity to play on a real team. A good friend and I signed up. That season we had a series of practices and games. On the first shift of the first game, my first pass became an assist on the very first goal. It was utterly thrilling.

Gordie Howe skated with us at the end of the season, lacing them up with the rest of the boys. He had arms the size of my thighs and was quietly worshipped by all. At one point during that unforgettable game I managed to tip the puck past Gordie at the blue line and started breaking for the net. Next thing I knew there was a hook, a laugh and then Gordie had the puck back. It took him two strides - I didn't really care - I'd been personally hooked by the man himself, and that was enough. At game's end both teams lined up on one side of centre ice and Gordie went behind the opposing goal, put the puck on the tip of his upturned stick and proceeded to stick handle through our combined flailings. The resulting goal was inevitable. I can't see a picture of him to this day without remembering how generous he was with his time and how kind and encouraging he was with us.

Since that time I have played as a forward, a defenseman and a goalie. I still skate as though I am wearing snowshoes but that doesn't matter. I still support the Leafs and watch "Hockey Night in Canada" as often as I can. I've had to give up my spot on the Sunday night team, as the weekends now find me away at a performance more often than not. I do miss the game and the boys and the talk in the locker room. I still play when I get the chance, mostly at the outdoor rink across the road from my house. What better place could there be to play, after all. DF

Skating Rink - Lyrics and Liner notes

I live in a small village in Quebec across the street from the skating rink. In winter the rink becomes the focal point of the village. It is the meeting place, the spark of joy in the winter darkness, the very image of Canada in the heart of winter. From my house I can hear the thin music from the loudspeakers, the sound of hockey being played, the cut of steel on ice, the thud and boom of the puck on the boards, and the yells of joy and disappointment; sounds that seem to laugh in the face of winter itself.

Skating Rink - Lyrics

The music from the skating rink
Drifts across the town
The stars of heaven high above
Forever looking down
I stand here looking upward,
And I'm listening to the sound
Of the village in the lonely heart of winter

The lights above the skating rink
Illuminate the scene
And on the snow the shadows show
Footsteps where we've been
And Danny's breath hangs motionless
Hovers like a dream
Above his head, in the lonely heart of winter

The sky above the skating rink
The blackened weight of space
Falls endless on the frozen world
Upon the saving grace
Of the lights around the skating rink
Laughing in the face
Of the darkness at the lonely heart of winter

Ayer's Cliff Quebec, February 19, 2002

Vocals: David Francey
Guitar:Dave Clarke
Guitar: Geoff Somers
Fiddle: Geoff Somers

The rink in Ayer's Cliff - photo by David Francey