Calling all Victoria Cougars alumni
VICTORIA – With one month to go before Greater Victoria celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Western Canada Hockey League’s Victoria Cougars winning the Stanley Cup, the organization hosting the event has won a prestigious Greater Victoria Sports Award.
Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada — put on by the Victoria Hockey Legacy Society in January 2024 — was named co-winner of Event of the Year.
“One year later, there is still a buzz in our community and in rinks around our region after the success of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada,” VHLS co-chair Brenda MacFarlane said. “More than 15,000 people came together for the love of sport on Hockey Day.”
The celebration united fans, regardless of team rivalries, and gave players from crosstown hockey associations a chance to share a common love for the game. People of all ages enjoyed family friendly activities such as an outdoor ice rink, ball hockey tournaments and the chance to see the Stanley Cup. Highlights included a sold-out alumni game, an unforgettable gala evening and a full day of broadcasting from a celebrity panel overlooking the Inner Harbour.
“More than 8.5 million television viewers saw how spectacular our city is, with the broadcast showing breathtaking views of Victoria’s vibrant downtown as well as striking images from around the South Island,” VHLS co-chair John Wilson said. “Hockey Day was so well received we couldn’t wait to start planning our next event, and we know the community will love the full range of hockey programming for youth and the general public coming up soon.”
The Century Celebration of the Cougars’ historic win over the National Hockey League’s Montreal Canadians begins with a night of music on Thursday, March 27, at the Bard and Banker on Government Street. Festivities continue on March 29-30, with family friendly events, including the highly anticipated return of the Cup for public viewing at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre.
Century Celebration festivities will centre around Oak Bay, near the old location of Patrick Arena — a former stadium on the corner of Cadboro Bay Road and Epworth Street where the 1925 Cougars clinched the cup championship.
For the latest on events and activities happening for the Century Celebration, go to vhls.ca.
