It is difficult for any fan of the National Hockey Fantasy League to argue against The Realm being one of the most hallowed hockey grounds in the entire league. The Realm has come to be known as the epicenter for hockey in recent years, as it not only houses the Ancaster Villagers home but also opens its doors for collegiate hockey as well. Bordering on the Niagara Escarpment and surrounded by expressways, The Realm is right in the heart of old Ancaster. 

Getting to The Realm is not difficult at all, as signs on the highway are very useful when trying to find the building. The 403 is the main artery that takes you to see the exciting Villagers play, and you need only to hop on the Chedoke Expressway at the last minute in order to arrive safely at The Realm. Parking is usually about $15, and you can usually find an open lot within several hundred feet of the front doors to the building. The Smart Bus has many different locations where it can pick up and drop off fans around the general vicinity of the arena. Lines are running at all times throughout the day, and an extra cadre of buses runs in the area surrounding the arena on game nights. 

Compared to other buildings around the NHFL, The Realm offers even more flash and pizazz than many other facilities, but they top it up even more with pure atmosphere from the crowd noise to the on-ice festivities between periods. There is an 18' Sony Jumbotron scoreboard that hangs above the ice so you can watch replays and keep up with out-of-town scores during the game. You also have the privilege of sitting next to some of the most intelligent hockey fans that you will ever meet. Everyone around you understands the game and appreciates the nuances that make the sport special. 

The Realm doesn't have any casual dining restaurants within the confines of the building, so you will have to rely on one of the many concession stands that are located throughout the facility. You don't have to worry, however, about running low on choices. There are a number of quality food stops located throughout the concourse including Stavros' Souvlaki Stand, Georges Gyros and Macedonis Macaroni & Meatballs. You will be able to enjoy the hockey artwork that adorns the concourse while you enjoy your tasty meal. The highlight of the dining experience within the confines of the Realm is The River Styx: a half-indoor, half-outdoor beer garden. Admission to a Villagers game gets you in the door of The River Styx where you can enjoy pint after pint of a number of craft beers that are available at The Realm.

There are many restaurants to pick from in downtown Ancaster, but one special location that you absolutely cannot miss is Olympus BBQ. Located right across the street from The Realm, Olympus has a wide selection of menu items to choose from and has a genuine sports bar feel, there is no better place to enjoy a meal with your family and friends then at Olympus. If you are looking for a more relaxed setting, try Alpha Omega. This steakhouse located on Cootes Paradise in the heart of Metro Dundas is the perfect setting for one of the finest entrées that you will be able to find anywhere. With multiple gourmet chefs cooking up these delightful dishes, you will enjoy a wonderful meal and great atmosphere at Alpha Omega. Finish your evening off by swinging by the world renowned Demeters Desserts for some of the most delectable pasteries, pies, cakes and baklava history has ever known.

If you are into rock music, visit the Apollo Concert Hall after the Villagers game at The Realm. For over 21 years, the Apollo has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, and it still is one of the premiere hotspots in the Ancaster area. Be prepared to have a great time in an upbeat setting that will keep you entertained well into the wee morning hours. Athena Convention Centre is more of a laid back experience when compared to the Apollo. Here, you will find great drink specials while being able to socialize with Ancaster's best and brightest. The Aphrodite Ladies Lounge and the Dionysus Gentlemen's club are located right behind the famous Poseidon Span, so make sure that you are able to visit these 'nightclubs' if you really want a unique experience before you leave the city of Ancaster. 

There are so many great points-of-interest in Ancaster that you won't know where to start when putting together your itinerary prior to the Villagers game. As Hamilton is the Waterfall Capital of the World, there are great attractions that you will surely want to see before you depart this metropolis. You can also view some of the beautiful homes that were erected during the early 1900s. Another point-of-interest that you won't want to miss out on is the Ancaster Fairgrounds. Home to 200 annual events, the Ancaster Fairgrounds offer some of the most outstanding natural wonders of the world. Finally, check out Hercules Hair & Nails, where all the A-list celebrities in the Ancaster area go for regular maintenance.

Just like the blue-collar workers that populate the city, the Villagers go to work every night trying to win a Fifty Mission Cup Championship and be the team to beat in the National Hockey Fantasy League. The Realm serves as the proving ground for the 9 other teams in the league that want to unseat the Villagers as the premier franchise in professional fantasy hockey. On your next trip to Ancaster, make sure that you stop by the Realm to see some of the best hockey anywhere in the world. 

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