It’s another beautiful day at the Rogers Centre. WHenever the dome is open, there always seems to be an extra buzz around the park and the Toronto Blue Jays are hoping to ride that as they try to stay relevant in the AL Wild Card race with division leading Baltimore Orioles in town.

The fans however are extra fired up as it’s George Springer jersey giveaway at the dome today. As we pulled up for our media coverage today at 2:30 in the afternoon, swarms of fans were already lined up, as the first 15,000 entries to the stadium got a free George Springer jersey.

This isn’t a normal jersey giveaway though, fans will receive a limited edition Springer hockey jersey, as George is a big puck fan himself.

Since we love tossing around the frozen biscuit up here, we had a chance to catch up with the right fielder and talk to him about his love for hockey.

Josh: “Growing up in Connecticut, you were actually a big Hartford Whalers fan! Talk to us about your love for the game and inspirations growing up as a kid?”

George: “Growing Up in a cold weather state, my dad got me into hockey when I was 3 or 4 years old…played it all the time. I was lucky enough at the time to have the Hartford Whalers in my backyard. Back when you were able to go for, like $4 and sit around the glass.”

Josh: “With the Hartford Whalers moving to Carolina, would you say you’re a Carolina Hurricanes fan or are you repping the Leafs?”

George: “Unfortunately, I want to root for the Canes but I can’t. Sorry Carolina…Obviously it’s great to have the Leafs here in our backyards!”

Josh: “Looking at this Blue Jays roster, obviously you’re going to be the best hockey player in the locker room…is there anyone who can potentially give you a run for your money on the ice?”

George: “I’m going to have to throw Jordan Romano out there (being a Canadian boy). Out here though, Ernie Clement. He’s a Rochester kid, really sneaky good athlete, he can skate a tiny bit from what I’ve seen.”

Josh: “What position would you play back in the day?”

George: “I like to hit people, so I played defence.”

Watching George at batting practice, he seemed very loose and was making great contact. Hopefully, some of the hockey grit rubs off on the rest of the squad as the Jays sit 10 games out of a Wild Card spot.

The dog days are upon us and series wins are what the Jays need, especially against division rivals.