2018 Be-A-Pro Experience draws to a close

TORONTO, ONT. — A revamped Molson Canadian Be-A-Pro experience drew to a close Monday morning, but it won’t be something any of the participants will soon be forgetting.

16 winners and 16 guests were in for a treat starting on Saturday as players arrived at The Westin Harbour Castle in Downtown Toronto. With the full VIP welcome awaiting the players, including personally branded beer bottles and no shortage of Molson swag, it quickly became clear that this was going to be a treat.

Saturday night’s travels took players to a pre-game meal of pasta and veggies, err, chicken wings and nachos. Yeah, while the players were getting the pro experience this weekend, they’d be watching the paid pros from a different vantage point – the Molson Draught Deck.

The gamesmanship started early with the Red and White teams being split into two different boxes, although somehow several players seemed to manage to navigate between the two boxes with some social beverages in tow. While these 32 players would feel like a pro on Sunday, let’s just say that it’s a good thing there was no coach to call in with a curfew check that night.

Sunday saw the players head over to the MasterCard Centre, the offical practice facility of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Toronto Marlies. Taking the bus through scenic Downtown Toronto, players were welcomed to some unexpected surprises.

Custom sweaters, a fully stocked table with snacks, and tape, and of course: two NHL alumni to coach them on this day.

In the end, it would be Wayne Primeau’s Team White who emerged victorious over Shayne Corson’s Team Red, notching an empty-netter to make it a 5-2 final. But with player introductions, an anthem singer, and a full-out game ops experience, this game was more about having your cell phone with you to take pictures than it was about any scoreline.

Post-game, players were treated to another healthy round of steaks and special beverages at Boston Pizza …but don’t worry, there were salads on the menu.

After a long night, there were some long faces and tired eyes in the crowd, but make no mistake, there were also many smiles that couldn’t be wiped off.

As always, a huge stick-tap goes out to our pals at Molson Canadian, who continue to create incredible experiences for ASHL players across Canada.

Looking for more? Check out our Facebook album below for some of the highlights from gameday.