By Hockey Saskatchewan

CANORA, Sask. – The town of Canora will be in the spotlight after being selected to host the 17th edition of Hockey Day in Saskatchewan (HDIS), presented by Richardson Pioneer. This annual celebration of hockey and community will run from January 14 to 19, 2025.

This marks the first time that Canora – population 1,763 – will host the multi-day event, with Saturday, January 18, designated as the official Hockey Day in Saskatchewan. A full schedule of festivities is set to be released at a later date.

HDIS is not only a celebration of the sport but also a vital fundraising initiative to support rink projects in the province. The funds raised during the event will help the community as it embarks on a transformative plan to replace the town’s aging Civic Centre, which has been the heartbeat of Canora hockey since the 1960s.

In Canora, the local rink has played a pivotal role in uniting the town, with residents gathering there for six cold months of the year to celebrate hockey. However, as the facility nears the end of its service life, the town is preparing for the construction of a new multi-use community centre. This new facility will not only serve as the heart of hockey in Canora but also as a community hub, with plans to include a gym, walking track, community hall, and athlete training spaces.

“Hockey Day in Saskatchewan continues to embody the province’s love of the game, showcasing the vital role hockey plays in small communities like Canora,” said Kelly McClintock, General Manager of Hockey Saskatchewan. “Hosting Hockey Day in Saskatchewan, will be a catalyst for the fundraising efforts needed to bring this vision to life.”

Stacy Vangen, President of the Canora Minor Hockey Board of Directors, echoed that sentiment, noting how the 2025 Hockey Day in Saskatchewan, presented this year by Richardson Pioneer, will showcase the community’s passion for the sport.

“Canora is home to a growing hockey community, including the Canora Cobras, Highway 9 Predators, and Prairie Ice female hockey teams. The Canora Minor Hockey Association has seen significant growth in recent years, increasing from 63 to 125 players in just one season. The rink replacement project will be key to supporting this growth and ensuring that Canora continues to foster a love for hockey in future generations,” said Vangen. “We are super excited for Hockey Day in Canora! Along with supporting our arena, it’s a great way to celebrate our love for hockey and our amazing community.”

Canora’s host committee will be holding an HDIS hosting announcement with members of the Saskatchewan Male Under-18 AAA Hockey League’s Yorkton Maulers to celebrate their winning application on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. The event starts at 1:10 PM (SK) with floor hockey later at Canora Composite School which is located at 223 8th Avenue East.

HDIS was held in Kinistino last season and was able to raise $112,000 for renovations to its community rink. Since the inception in 2008, sixteen (16) events have amassed over $1,417,000 to help keep the province’s rinks alive and well.

This marks a hat trick for Zone Four, with Balcarres hosting HDIS in 2018 and Melville serving as a previous host in 2012.

Check out the official Hockey Day in Saskatchewan website and social media platforms (Facebook and X) for updates.

About HOCKEY SASKATCHEWAN

Hockey Saskatchewan was established in 1912 and is the governing body for organized hockey in the province of Saskatchewan. With a mission to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences, Hockey Saskatchewan encourages competition at all levels – from recreational to high performance. Hockey Saskatchewan has grown through the years and is Saskatchewan’s largest sports organization with over 45,000 members comprised of players, coaches, and officials. For more information, please visit www.hockeysask.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.