Winter’s Warmth: Celebrating the Joys of Winter Sports

In the dead of winter during the dark frigid months, Saskatchewan residents still find ways to enjoy the harsh climate. While Saskatchewan athletes have thrived in winter sports, their successes have also fostered communal memories. Hockey, curling, speed skating, and figure skating have all been avenues the people of Saskatchewan have taken to add excitement to the long winter season. Memories of skating around the lake or competing with a team bring a sense of nostalgia for many in the province. Such sentimental recollections can bring warmth even in the midst of a cold winter.

Winter’s Warmth: Celebrating the Joys of Winter Sports features stories and artifacts from the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame’s permanent collection.

This winter-themed exhibit celebrates a number of ways the people in the province have endured and thrived during the cold winter months.

From the province’s earliest days curling was popular, with the Regina Curling Club being founded in 1889. Hockey and speed skating have also long been popular winter pastimes.

Clarence Downey and Eleanor (Powley) Van Impe were speed skating pioneers in Saskatoon before the formation of the Saskatoon Lions Club Speed Skating in 1942. Once the club was formed, it produced a great collection of Olympians including Craig MacKay, Peggy (Robb) Mueller, John Sands, Bob Hodges, and Catriona Le May Doan.

While some of the greatest players in hockey history were born in Saskatchewan, the game has inspired people from the province in numerous ways. Winter’s Warmth features art from acclaimed artist and SSHF inductee Bill Brownridge that captures the movement of the game and also the prairie landscapes of outdoor hockey that so many in the province grew up with.

This exhibit will remain on display until April.