Winnipeg Truly Has Cold Weather, But Canadian City Also Truly Loves Its Hockey

WINNIPEG — Just some thoughts.

We are staying at the famous intersection of Portage and Main in the ‘peg, said to be the “coldest place on Earth.” So I bundled up and went out to walk across the street to get some breakfast cash, (beautifully artful) Canadian money out of the TD Bank (“America’s Most Convenient Bank!” and a sponsor of Boston Bruins hockey on NESN). As I exited the hotel, I noticed a few things right away.

One, my face was numb.

Two, the temperature was 4.

Three, the wind was blowing reaalllly hard.

Four, every car in the hotel parking lot had a cord sticking through the grill (engine block heater so your crankcase oil doesn’t turn to sludge in the “fresh” weather, eh?).

Five, the flags decorating either side of Portage Avenue were pointing at each other because of the unique vortices of the buildings and the relentless prairie wind. That was a new one.

Six, no one else was outside (they were probably standing at the windows tittering, “Look, another sunbelt boy, Martha! Haaaaahahahaha!”). I soon discovered the tunnel system for pedestrians (seen below) and have had a nice morning. I believe I will have the feeling back in my cheeks by game time.

I do prefer hockey in this venue as opposed to Atlanta. Seriously. They truly love the game here. This should be fun Tuesday night.

Warmest regards from the True North, Strong and Free. Wearing the woollies.

Photos via Naoko Funayama