Saskatoon man on ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip at World Juniors

A Saskatoon man is currently on a special trip, cheering on Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic.

“Our whole family is involved in hockey in some form, whether playing or coaching. We just thought we’d do one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips with the family so here we are,” Greg Porter told 980 CJME by phone after the Saturday’s semi-final win.

Porter is in Ostrava with his wife and five adult children, who’ve each brought along company.

While Porter has spotted many people dressed in their country’s colours, he and his family are by no means alone.

He estimates thousands of Canadians from coast-to-coast have made the trip as well, making for a loud atmosphere.

So far, Porter said he’s been impressed by the energy of the crowds.”There’s a lot of crazy Canadians here,” he said.

The only other time he’s been to the World Juniors was in 2010, when the tournament was held in Saskatoon.

This trip hasn’t just been about hockey.

His entourage also visited Poland and went beer tasting — an experience he says is comparable to back home.”

We’ve had a little bit (of beer). Maybe a little bit too much sometimes,” he said with a chuckle. “(It’s) lots of fun.”

— With files from 980 CJME’s Jessie Anton