![Powell River residents [from left] Matt Boese, Aneta Hilleren, Mike Hilleren, Blake Lewis](https://www.vmcdn.ca/f/files/glaciermedia/import/lmp-all/1547452-2515-world-juniors.jpeg;w=800)
A Christmas trip to the Czech Republic turned into the fulfillment of a longtime dream for Mike Hilleren when he attended the gold medal game of the 2020 World Junior Hockey Championships.
“My wife Aneta is originally from the Czech Republic, which hosted the world juniors during the time we were there this Christmas,” said Hilleren. “She knew that seeing Team Canada play overseas was one of my dreams, so she surprised me with tickets to three games.”
The Hillerens took in the group stage Canada/USA game on December 26 and the Canada/Russia game on December 28 in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
“The first game really set the stage; it was just an awesome environment,” said Hilleren. “Canada won that game 6-4, so we had really high hopes for the Russia game, but then they lost 6-0. We had tickets to the bronze medal game already, but we knew the gold medal game would be great no matter who was playing, so we bought tickets, and I’m so glad we did.”
Canada and Russia met again for the gold medal on January 5, and Russia was up 3-1 with only 11 minutes left to play in the third period.
“When Russia scored their third goal you could definitely feel the tension in the crowd,” said Hilleren. “There weren’t a lot of Russian fans there – it was probably about 80 per cent Canadian – but they were pretty aggressive and loud. So when Canada scored, and scored again, the arena just erupted. It was a cathartic experience.”
Hilleren enjoys watching junior hockey, especially at the international level.
“It’s just exciting hockey; they’re all excellent players, but they’re still just kids and they still make mistakes, and being in the arena, we were able to see them interact with their families,” he said. “We were sitting beside [Team Canada goalie] Joel Hofer’s family for one game, and his little sister was giving everybody around high fives. Then you look over and see [forward] Alexis Lafreniere’s mom and dad rooting for him and crying. That’s something you don’t experience by watching the game on television, and that’s why it’s been on my bucket list.”
There was also a strong Powell River contingent at the game.
“I play hockey with the Regal Oldtimers, and some of the players were in Düsseldorf, Germany, for New Year’s while we were in Prague,” said Hilleren. “We all met up for the gold medal game and were able to watch Canada win. We’re already talking about a road trip to the 2022 worlds in Sweden.”
Hilleren grew up in Powell River and moved back in mid-2019 after spending several years teaching in Victoria. He is currently working for School District 47 as a substitute teacher.
“Powell River drew us back, as it does with many people who grow up here,” he said. “It’s a good place to raise a family. I’ve reconnected with old friends, I’m enjoying the great schools and the teaching environment, and living here also lets me do things I enjoy, like fishing and hockey.”
