Hockey Night In Canada co-star Ron MacLean is in Portage for the 15th annual 'Arron's Chance 2 Play' golf tournament.

Arron Asham puts this event on to try and help kids who cannot afford the cost of organized hockey. For the 15th anniversary, he decided to do something special, by hosting a banquet with Ron MacLean as a guest speaker. MacLean states why he feels this event is important.

"I met so many great volunteers(at the banquet) and that's what you need," says MacLean. "You need money, to help those who can't easily afford hockey you need to give them that opportunity. Now, there are so many distractions, with gaming being a phenomenon. With soccer and basketball, because of the Raptors and World Cups, being a more affordable option. To ensure that we keep our cultural touchstone, hockey, alive its great that Arron's doing this."

He also adds that he has tremendous respect for Asham on and off the ice.

"We all love him," says MacLean. "Everybody in hockey has always revered Arron for his kindness, humility, honesty, and love. He's just a special individual, marvelous hockey player, but a really special person."

This is not MacLean's first time in Portage, as he was here with Rogers Hometown Hockey a little over a year ago. He states that Portage is a great winter sports town.

"The Terriers are an amazing program," says MacLean. "Blake Spiller has done wonders with the team and the RBC Cup will be held here next year, so it's very exciting. When we did Rogers Hometown Hockey, I learned that Blake wouldn't allow the players to fidget during the national anthem and I mentioned it on Hockey Night in Canada this year. I know Reilly Funk who plays for the Terriers was really happy we gave them a shout out."

MacLean will be participating in the 'Arron's Chance 2 Play' golf tournament here in Portage, along with a few former NHL players.

MacLean notes that he is still recovering from his last time in Portage, as he mentioned in his speech last night.