Poutine, Slurs, and Safety
ACTUAL POOTY’S POUTINE
PHOTO CRED: CJOY
Let’s set the scene: Saturday night at the Red Cliff Rec Center. The air is crisp, the poutine is piping hot, and the hockey game is in full swing. I was there, not as a journalist, but as a promoter for Pooty’s Poutine, a local gem known for its cheesy, gravy-laden goodness. My mission? Simple. Make a fun video, hand out some gift cards, and remind everyone that spring—and Pooty’s food truck—is just around the corner. Sounds harmless, right? Well, apparently not to everyone.
The video from Saturday Feb 15, 2025 at Redcliff Rec Tangle
As I was setting up to film, a man decided to grace me with his presence. What followed was a barrage of expletives and homophobic slurs that would make a sailor blush. Now, I’ve been called many things in my life, but this was next-level rudeness. When I asked why he felt the need to engage me in such a manner, things escalated faster than a Zamboni on an empty rink. He charged at me, and suddenly, I found myself in the middle of a mob of angry adults, hurling accusations and threats. My face was touched, my safety was compromised, and my phone—my lifeline to the outside world—was threatened to be smashed. Cue the police, who thankfully arrived to diffuse the situation.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the rink: safety. Hockey is supposed to be a family-friendly sport. It’s where kids learn teamwork, discipline, and maybe even a few life lessons. But what happens when the adults in the room—the ones who are supposed to set an example—behave like they’re auditioning for a reality TV show? The incident was a stark reminder that the environment we create for our kids matters. If adults are comfortable swearing and using slurs in a public space, what message does that send to the young players looking up to them?
The video of the interaction went viral, and while the majority of the support has been overwhelmingly in my favor (and for the poutine, because let’s be honest, it’s delicious), there’s always that small, vocal minority who seem to thrive on chaos. To them, I say: maybe try the poutine before you pick a side. It’s hard to be angry with a mouth full of cheese curds.
Redcliff Minor Hockey Responded
As a journalist, I’ve covered my fair share of controversies, but this one hit differently. It wasn’t about politics or policy; it was about basic human decency. Parents and players need to know that we can—and must—do better. Hockey should be a safe space for everyone, from the players on the ice to the fans in the stands. And yes, even for the guy promoting poutine.
So, let’s take this incident as a learning opportunity. Let’s teach our kids that respect and kindness are just as important as a good slap shot. And let’s remember that while poutine might be the star of the concession stand, it’s the people who make the game worth watching.
In the meantime, I’ll be over here, enjoying my poutine and hoping that the next time I’m at the rink, the only thing that’s heated is the gravy. Stay safe, everyone. And remember: keep your sticks on the ice and your slurs to yourself.
