Though they haven’t yet found someone to take his place, the CBC confirmed Monday it is going ahead with season three of Battle of the Blades, as a tribute to Wade Belak.
The former NHL tough guy who committed suicide late last month was booked to take part in the skating-based reality show.
According to a CBC release, the Sept. 18 season premiere entitled “Game On” will include a “heartfelt memorial” to Belak by Hockey Night in Canada and Battle of the Blades host Ron MacLean.
The episode will include scenes from the first meetings in July when the cast members – former hockey players partnered with accomplished figure skaters – began to train for the show, including “footage showing the infectious enthusiasm and humour [Wade] brought to the training sessions.”
“Our hearts go out to Wade’s family and friends and he is greatly missed by our cast and crew,” said John Brunton, executive producer and CEO of Insight Productions, in the release. “Our cast came together and told us that they felt strongly about doing the show as a tribute to Wade. Battle of the Blades has taken on a whole new meaning for them.”
While the CBC and Insight announced ex-NHLer Todd Simpson, a former junior-hockey teammate of Belak’s, has been added to the list of nascent figure skaters, it had not yet confirmed a replacement for Belak. CBC and Insight hope to make that announcement this week.
