The Slice: Donning a toque ranks as eh-plus fashion statement

Maybe it’s a tad early to be talking about winter.

But the management of the Spokane Chiefs has given this community an early Christmas present and I can’t wait to open it.

Perhaps you saw the announcement last week about the outdoor hockey game to be played next January in Avista Stadium. Well, the Chiefs’ opponent will be a team from British Columbia. So it’s only fair to assume there will be at least a few Canadians in attendance.

And you know what that means, don’t you?

That’s right. At long last, people here in Spokane will get an opportunity to see how one dresses for cold weather. It will be a clinic.

Sure, the game is apt to be entertaining and all. These outdoor hockey events might be a trend that is just about to turn into a pumpkin. But from all indications, they have been a hit in the cities where this has been tried.

My sister-in-law went to a college game in Michigan about 10 years ago that was one of the first of these outdoor puckfests. She has almost thawed.

No matter. The thing that has me fired up is the exciting prospect of this city taking a giant stride away from its nagging and unnecessary winter idiocy.

Just imagine the learning that’s bound to take place when local hockey fans spot the Canadians in the stands.

“What’s that those folks from up north have on their heads?”

“Those are called hats. I guess they help keep you warm or something.”

“Huh. What will they think of next?”

Oh, and it won’t stop there. In fact, some Spokane residents might even pick up a few tips on coping with winter while walking across the parking lot to get to the stadium.

“Hi, you’re Canadian aren’t you?”

“That’s right.”

“Well, let me ask you something. What is that you have on your feet?”

“These are called warm boots.”

“Hmmm. So you wouldn’t recommend wearing tasseled loafers or sneakers when it’s bitter cold?”

“No, not really.”

“OK. And those things you have on your …”

“They’re called gloves. You should try them.”

Today’s Slice question: Which of your relatives or friends is always first to notice the skunk aroma?