Remembrance Day : Lest We Forget

If you’ve been to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame recently, you may have noticed the poppies on our walls. Each poppy is placed next to an inductee that has served their country. How many in total, you ask? 85.

Remembrance Day is a time each year when we pause to reflect and honor those who have served our country, and those who continue to on a daily basis. It is a day that reflects only a small portion of appreciation for the freedom we enjoy as a result of the sacrifice of a brave and dedicated few.

They gave up time in their lives, away from family, friends, sport and home fighting for their country with some making the ultimate sacrifice. The reasons why they chose to fight are obvious in that they believe the preservation of our freedoms is paramount and are willing to do whatever it takes to see that they remain intact.

At the SSHF we honor those who are considered heroes in the realm of sport, but at the same time we realize that this is one of the many things we are privileged to have. Without the dedication and work of these committed and courageous individuals the opportunities to enjoy these sports would potentially not exist. So it is with that in mind that we humbly offer what homage we can to the people who make life as we know it possible.

There exists a list of individuals who not only served their country in the form of our armed forces, but who also contributed to the progression of sports on an elite level. Their skill sets are among the best in history as their physical and mental talents helped raise their respected arenas to the level they are enjoying today. Without these remarkable names it would be impossible to be where we are at.

So with that in mind, here is a small token of our appreciation. A list which recognizes the people who help build both sport as well as this country. Let us take a moment to remember their contributions to both, and honor everything they have done for us.

-Lest we forget.

Abel Sid Hockey
Abbot Edward Captain Hockey
Adams Robert Athletics
Archer Sandy Football
Arn Bob Dr. Football
Audette Julien Soaring
Austman Joseph Rifle Shooting
Bailey Harry Swimming
Bath Leonard General
Bentley Max Hockey
Boesch Garth Hockey
Bower Johnny Hockey
Bricker Calvin Athletics
Charlton Ken Football
Cote Tony Multi Sport
Creswell Aurthur Austin LT Hockey
Decoteau Alex Athletics
Dojack Paul Football
Ebbels Bill Tennis
Eichel Aston Boxing
Elliot Eldon Broadcasting
Forsyth William Athletics
Foster Frank Hockey
Francis Emile Hockey
Fowler Norman “Heck” Hockey
Germann Frank Hockey
Girgulis James Harry Shooting
Glasser Anton Bowling
Glover Stanley Athletics
Grassick Gordon “Greg” Football
Greyeyes David Soccer
Griffiths Joe Athletics
Griston William “Bill” CPL Hockey
Gutheridge Stanley ‘Hub’ Basketball
Harrison Stanley Captain Equestrian
Herlen Ernest ‘Ossie’ Boxing
Hill Alfred Curling
Howes Rollin Henry “Roly” General
Hunter William ‘Bill’ Hockey
Irvin Dick Sr. Hockey
Juckes Gordon Hockey
Kartusch Mike Hockey
Kirkpatrick J.B. ‘Kirk’ Tennis
Knutson Art Curling
Landa Sam Dr. Sport Medicine
Leddy Jack Dr. Golf
Leicester John Dr. Tennis
Livingstone R.C. ‘Scotty’ Football
Lynn Victor Hockey
Maddia Jack Hockey
McCool Charles Hockey
McCulloch Frederick Hockey
McCutcheon Robert Hockey
McNab Ernie Group Captain Hockey
Melville Tom ‘Scotty’ General
Metz Don Hockey
Metz Nick Hockey
Mitchelmore Harold Athletics
Obodiac Stan Hockey
Otton Charles LT Hockey
Orban William ‘Bill’ Sport Medicine
Penfold Bert Figure Skating
Petit Claude Private Boxing
Prediger Peter Baseball
Pyle David Ironside Wrestling
Ramsay William Beatty Hockey
Rayner Chuck Hockey
Reid Robert ‘Bobby’ General
Reid Robert Dr. Golf
Ritchie Al Hockey/Football
Ross Tom Golf
Saunders Lloyd Media
Smith D’Arcy Hockey
Staniowski Ed Hockey
Stewart John ‘Jack’ General
Stinson Edgar ‘Wally’ General
Taylor Neil ‘Piffles’ Football
Thomson Earl Athletics
Van Impe Robert Softball
Ward George General
Warwick Claude Boxing
Watson Harold ‘Harry’ Hockey
Whittleton Alfred S. Hockey
Wilken H.J. “Pete” Curling
Wilson Fred Football

Hockey Legend Reflects on World War Service

Johnny_Hockey

Earlier this week our country celebrated a day during which we remember those who have bravely served our country in order to uphold the rights and freedoms that make Canada so special. Celebrations took place across this great nation shining light on the brave actions of so many heroes from coast to coast who sacrificed to protect all the things we hold most dear. 

One of those things is the proud culture that we have developed through sport. Many of the men and women who have served our country during its greatest conflicts are also those who acted as the greatest contributors to sport. On Tuesday we offered up a small thanks to them in the form of a list. The list included all of those who fought for our country and went on to see their names enshrined in the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Among those names was NHL alumni and Toronto Maples Leafs goaltending legend, Johnny Bower, whose tale is perhaps among the most storied of those on this decorated record. 

Bower enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces at just 16 years of age because, as he put it, “I wanted to be there, with my other buddies”. Bower was lucky enough to return from the fields of Europe and go on to have not only a fabled hockey career, but also to become one of this country’s most enduring personalities. 

Recently, Bower was present at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, where he and others recounted their stories and paid their respects to the countless others who gave everything. Enjoy the video posted here, of a Bower who continues to age with incredible grace and who has clearly not lost any of his charm. 

Once again, we would like to offer our gratitude and thanks to all the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces for all that they do.