Calgary musician plays up his sweet-talking skills to get into Juno Cup again

He's a local singer with two Juno nominationsunder his belt. He's also an obsessive hockey fan who's never played in an actual league in his life.

But this week, Scott Henderson will live his dream of hitting the ice against a team of NHL greatsfor the second time.

So how did the humble musicianmanage to putnot one, but two checkmarks beside this coveted bucket list item?

"Begging. Lots of begging."

• Calgary's music scene, and how it shapes us
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• Juno Awards 2016: Events being held around Calgary this week

Henderson takes his second turn as defencemanonFriday at the Juno Cup, a charity hockey game that pits musicians of all stripes against a team of formerNHL players.

Henderson first made the team in 2008, the last time the Juno Awards were in Calgary. He wasn't originally offered a spot on the roster, but wrangled himself a spot with some persistence.

Hesays being part of that 2008 Rockersteam wasan experience he'll never forget.

"It was this weird duality of horror that I shouldn't be there, and complete exhilaration. I was so thrilled. You want to play well, there's so much pressure on you. I mean, you're playing against former NHL greats."

'False hope' from NHL greats

Though most of the Rockers team is younger than its opponents, Henderson was floored by the skill level of the former pros.

"They just give you false hope", Henderson said, who faced stars like Paul Coffey and Lanny McDonald in 2008.

"You'd have the puck and they'd make you think you have thembeat, but that was just the second before humiliation. They're just so amazing, so you're frightened the whole time. But you're having the best day of your life."

The 2016 team of ex-NHLers includes formerFlames like Jim Peplinski, Jamie Macoun and Curtis Glencross. Olympic bobsledder and retired CFLer Jesse Lumsden will also face the Rockers.

This year theragtag team of musicians includes Blue Rodeo singer Jim Cuddy, Bill Hamm of the Canadian Chamber Choir and Calgary-based club DJ Pete Emes.

Musical ruse

Henderson and his former pop group The EarthTONES were nominated in the Best R&B/Soul Recording category in 1995 and 1997. Even then, Henderson was already lobbying for a spot on the Juno Cup team.

"At the EarthTONESpeak, I had said in a few media interviews that the only reason I was doing music was soI could someday play celebrity hockey,"he joked.

"Nominees and Juno winners are really kept in the fold, and since the Junos were in Calgary [in 2008], it was really nice to be on the team."

For the kids

For his return to the Rockers roster this year, Henderson credits his involvement with various music initiatives for youth as a music teacher, as well as his workwith the Calgary Stampede Talent Search [formally the Youth Talent Showdown].

The Juno Cup raises funds for MusiCounts, a music education charity associated with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), the non-profit behind the Junos.

Largest loss in history

While he's thrilledto be part of the team once again, Henderson is hoping for a slightly better result than the last time.

"Unfortunately [with]that 2008 team and I probably had some part in this that was the largest margin the Rockers have lost in the history of the Juno Cup," said Henderson, wholost the 2008 game 16 to five along with his Rockers teammates.

"It's been really close the last few years, so they're taking a big risk by having me back on the team. But I really appreciate it".

The Juno Cup takes place Friday at 7:30p.m. at Max Bell CentreArenas. Visit Ticketmaster for tickets.

• Calgary'smusic scene, and how it shapes us
• Junofest2016: Where togo and what to watch for in late night fun
• Juno Awards 2016: Events being held around Calgary this week