John Candy wasn’t just a legendary comedian, he was a proud Canadian, a devout hockey fan, and someone who helped bring the sport into the homes and hearts of many who initially might not have been drawn to it. His career, rooted in humor and warmth, intersected memorably with hockey, and left fans grateful for both his laughs and the subtle ways he celebrated Canada’s national game.
One of his most iconic on-screen hockey moments comes from SCTV, Canada’s groundbreaking sketch show where Candy’s comedic versatility shone. He portrayed “Billy Stemhovilichski” in the skit Power Play, a hockey parody clearly inspired by the film Face-Off. In it, Candy spoofed hockey culture with such sincerity and comedic flair that every puck-happy viewer sees it as a loving rendition, not a mockery. The skit remains a fan favorite among hockey circles because Candy didn’t just play the part; he celebrated the quirks that make Canadian hockey unique.
But that’s just one corner of Candy's relationship with hockey. In real life, he lived it, even if he was more likely to be found behind the laughs and not behind the bench. Candy held a part-ownership stake in the Toronto Argonauts with Wayne Gretzky and Bruce McNall, demonstrating his passion for Canadian sports. Though this was football and not hockey, it speaks to his willingness to invest in Canada’s athletic culture.

He also maintained a treasured connection to the game from a young age. A throwback image shows a young Candy leaning on a pillar in a hockey arena, clutching a program, proof that his fandom wasn’t just screen deep, but a lifelong identity.
Candy’s legacy lives on in the joy he brought and the spirited nods he gave to Canadian hockey culture. For many who grew up watching him, he was a gateway: the man who could effortlessly weave hockey’s quirky camaraderie and intensity into artful comedy.
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