TSN anchors discuss Barrhead experience

TSN SportsCentre anchors Darren Dutchyshen and Kate Beirness were shown some western hospitality during the Kraft Celebration Tour stop in Barrhead on Monday, August 18, 2014.

Dutchyshen and Beirness arrived in town on Sunday, August 17 and were treated to dinner at Barrhead Golf Club. Dutchyshen discussed the experience.

“People were over the top and treated us so well at the golf course. The people were great and it was truly western hospitality,” he said.

Dutchyshen went on to discuss the crowd during the live broadcast on Monday.

“The crowd that showed up today were awesome. I know it was a Monday and the middle of the day for the residents and yet they showed up in droves. It was perfect man,” said Dutchyshen. “We rolled in today and everybody was into it, we were in to it, so it was awesome. It was a really good day. The town was proud and we couldn’t have been happier to be here. You could feel the energy from the crowd and everybody was into it.”

Dutchyshen has been part of the Kraft Celebration Tour since its inception six years ago and shared his thoughts on the Barrhead stop and where it ranks for him.

“This stop was certainly up there because the crowd was really special. This first one we ever did (six years ago) was wild, because it was the first one. But like I said, I am blessed. I get to go across this country and go to places I never thought I would and the people are just so nice. I really do believe we have really, really good people in our country,” said Dutchyshen. “There is a common theme from town to town to town. They all have the same sort of principles and drive but I love Alberta because of my history here. I spent seven years in Edmonton, that’s a long time. I still have a lot of family and friends in Edmonton so every time I come back to Alberta, it’s like coming back home.”

Dutchyshen’s co-anchor, Kate Beirness shared her thoughts on the live the broadcast.

“I thought Barrhead’s turnout was exceptional. They were passionate, they were loud and I guess, the shots looked amazing and that’s what we were hearing back from Toronto so they nailed it!” said Beirness.

Before arriving in Barrhead, Beirness said she had one goal for residents and that was to make as much noise as possible and make her job difficult.

“They were so loud for me and yes my job was difficult but that’s exactly what I wanted. It was awesome today. Dutchy and I were up on set at one point and we had a couple of long features in the show today and we were saying that this was one of the best crowds we have ever had,” added Beirness.

Beirness went on to explain one of her favourite things about the stop in town.

“The people were my favourite thing about this stop. The local organizing committee, like Patty again today, everyone has been unreal. You guys have just given us an amazing amount of support so we appreciated that,” said Beirness.

Beirness explained that one other thing made the stop in Barrhead extra special.

“It (the signs) were so amazing and honestly, everyone’s signs were so great and so creative. Even my dad texted me and said ‘did that sign just say that you could bench-press more than Dutchy, because I love it.’ It was the best sign he had ever seen and that was the best sign I have ever seen on the Kraft Celebration Tour … hands down!”

Beirness shared her final thoughts about the lone stop in Alberta for the Kraft Celebration Tour and where it ranked for her out of all of the stops she has been a part of.

“I would say it’s right up there. Top three … 100 per cent. I always have a great time in Alberta (and this was no different). It fulfilled every expectation and more,” concluded Beirness.