In 2001, Paul Brandt released the album Small Towns & Big Dreams. With its easily relatable lyrics of staying true to your roots while pursuing your dreams, the record’s title track soon became an in concert favourite for Paul’s fans. Retaining the original spirit of the song, Paul has re-recorded the song, collaborating with singer Tara Slone, re-writing many of the song’s lyrics to reflect the hockey dreams of kids all across Canada. This Sunday, February 11, “Small Towns And Big Dreams (Hometown Hockey Version) featuring Tara Slone” will play over the opening credits of Rogers Hometown Hockey broadcast. The song is available now HERE
In 2017, Paul met Canadian hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser who told him the story of going to India to help train a group of girls to play hockey and empower these young women through sport. Inspired by her story, Paul has decided to donate all proceeds from “Small Towns And Big Dreams (Hometown Hockey Version) featuring Tara Slone” to Hayley’s program India 2 YYC (www.india2yyc.com).
Paul Brandt is currently putting the finishing touches on a new album scheduled for release in April 2018.
I grew up in a small town
hockey night in my hometown kind of place
There was really not much around
You blink and you miss it
I never knew what life would bring
But I always had big dreams
Early mornings down at the rink
And every night I’d wish that
I’d get a shot at the big game
Hear Ron McLean say my name
(So I) Played hard and dreamed about the day
I’d lift the Stanley Cup up high
That’s where I come from
That’s who I am
Hard-workin’ and God-blessed
Yes sir, and thank you ma’am
The best things around that I have ever seen
Came from Small Towns & Big dreams
One thing that never changed much
We all share the same love of this great game
Yeah, I’ve always felt the same rush
Since made it to the league
And I can see it as I travel round
It doesn’t matter ‘bout our background
‘Cause in hockey all of us have found
A great big family (cause)
Been around the world don’t matter anywhere I go
In Hometowns across Canada, I’ve found my kind of folks
It’s about you and who you are, it’s all a state of mind
And as I play with all my heart I’m sure you’ll find that
