Since it was first implemented and brought into being by the Government of Alberta led by former Premier Don Getty, Family Day is really a reminder of what's important.
It's right in the title; in our social media, everyday and evening activity-filled lives. Sometimes, it's a gentle reminder that we need to focus or refocus our attention on those closest to us -- a day meant to shelve everything else, or at least most of everything, to concentrate on family.
My plan was to ask my three kids (who are now in their 20s) what each of them wanted to do and then try and keep the trio happy by accomplishing a hat-trick of ideas. What plans do you have?
For Edmonton, the plan was a CBA-mandated day off. The NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates that four days a month are to be built into the season-long grind and spent away from the rink and a plane. A hotel might still be part of the equation, as there are times the day off occurs on the road, but in this case it happened at home and even if it was a coincidence, the timing was great for it to fall on Family Day.
By working my way through the lineup, I came up with these unofficial numbers for players and coaches that are married (18) and the total amount of kids (28). One of those that's married and has a son named Leo is Tyson Barrie. "We spend so much time on the road in a fast-paced lifestyle," explained the defenceman. "So it's nice to get home at a reasonable time (following the afternoon game in Colorado) and just have some quiet time."
GENE'S BLOG: Family Day
In his latest blog, Gene looks at how some of the Oilers players and coaches are spending their Family Day that falls on Monday's scheduled day off