Special Features - Hockeyville

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH

Our Story

A special publication of the Sylvan Lake News

Early morning assist.

4 Erickson Drive | Sylvan Lake | 403.887.1068

Š Tim Hortons, 2008

Aboutthe cover Darcy Rosie seized the chance and in mere days rallied hundreds of people to the back of the arena which stood open like a “coffin” for a ‘Salute’ picture on February 4, 2014, fearing a demolition crew would move in quickly and wipe out any chance for a final farewell to the “Grand Old Lady”.

HOW MANY PEOPLE?

324, counting heads. Tough to see the little ones huddled in though.

Here’s what Darcy wrote about the experience:

We’re truly Hockeyville - A huge crowd gathered for a final photo shoot behind the old arena where the collapsed roof is highly visible. Billed as a final “Sylvan Lake Arena Commemorative Salute Photo” session, people attending the event Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 4, 2014) were encouraged to wear hockey jerseys and wave hockey sticks as a final salute.

STEVE DILLS - February 6, 2014

PERVADING THEME OF VOLUNTEERISM RINGS THROUGH ARENA’S HISTORY

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

There’s been a lot written in the last few months about Sylvan Lake’s successful campaign to become Kraft Hockeyville 2014.

But as we decided to prepare a special commemorative souvenir section about this special period is Sylvan Lake’s life, it didn’t seem fitting to focus just on the last few months.

There’s a prevailing theme running through our community’s history — from construction of the arena, through its operation, years and years of activity, January’s collapse of a portion of the roof, the Kraft Hockeyville campaign, and now progress towards a new facility.

Of course that theme is the volunteers who band together to get things done for the benefit of our community and the tremendous spirit they exude.

That’s why we’ve chosen to focus our historic publication on the larger history.

We begin with the need for an indoor ice surface, to fundraising and construction of the arena.

Then there’s the out-of-the-box thinking of Alf Cadman and his group who brought artificial ice to the community.

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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In close to 40 years, more than 50,000 youngsters have been hosted at week-long Sylvan Lake Hockey Camp sessions during the summer.

As Graham Parsons loves to say, “this was the busiest little rink in rural Western Canada”. Of course he’s a big part of the story having touched so many lives.

When the arena’s roof collapsed, it wasn’t just Sylvan Lakers who were affected. There was a wide cadre of people across this country, in the United States and overseas who had memories and gladly posted them to the Kraft Hockeyville website helping the community move into the Top 16 of a record-breaking 532 communities vying for the 2014 honour. Those stories are still on the Kraft Hockeyville website for viewing at your leisure.

A dedicated committee helped coordinate Sylvan’s bid for the honour.

Then we look to the future. And that committee is now working with partners from Kraft, NHL, NHLPA, CBC and Mosaic to put together a four-day festival in conjunction with the NHL pre-season game between Calgary Flames and Phoenix Coyotes which will take place Sept. 24. More details will follow in coming months — for the latest continue to read the Sylvan Lake News and Sylvan Lake Hockeyville 2014 Facebook page .

Looking further into the future, there is the campaign to raise money for a new facility to replace the arena and curling rink and add other activities to the recreation hub of Sylvan Lake.

That’s the package we present. We hope you enjoy our exploration of our past, our present, and our future.

Perched 45-feet high above the arena the -30˚C bone-chilling weather pierced right through my winter clothes. My fingers could hardly move to snap pictures, but I was truly warmed from the inside out as I watched Lakers from young to old arrive by the carload to say goodbye to the “ol’ girl”. I saw familiar faces from the past and present joining together to celebrate our history and cheer on our future.

The overhead view provided me with a lot of perspective and what I saw was so … so … what’s the word? So Sylvan Lake.

I have lived here since the ’70s and it never ceases to amaze me how this community pulls together for each other when faced with adversity. Don’t get me wrong, we also turn out in droves to celebrate the good times too, but there is something so comforting to know that when times get tough, your neighbours have your back. When the roof collapsed on the arena, the foundation of our town shook like never before, and ever since we have been scrambling to recover. We all know there is nothing more Canadian than hockey and nowhere is that more evident than Sylvan Lake.

With nearly year-round ice for the last four decades and the world-famous Sylvan Lake Summer Hockey School, our arena is as much a part of our town’s identity as the lake itself.

Once the shock of our loss wore off it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work on the future.

Step One – take our shot at becoming Hockeyville 2014. With several people spearheading the movement our town once again is banding together to face our latest challenge. I see painters, pharmacists, teachers, politicians, seniors and teenagers who are working extremely hard to secure our Kraft Hockeyville nomination.

With optimism and hope we gathered to not only give one last salute to our beloved arena, but to show the world that our little town’s spirit is alive and well. From my perch above the crowd it was icy clear that we are Hockeyville!

A great big thank you to Rob and John at United Rentals for “get’n ’er done” with use of the lift at the last minute and to Dale Armstrong for operating it to get me up in the air.Thank you for your help and ongoing efforts Kelly Edgecombe. Thanks for the inspiration and use of your camera Nikki Booth and as has been the case my entire life thank you Graham Parsons for always providing sage advice and support.

We are Lakers! We are Hockeyville!

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

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The path of the ice resurfacer is clearly evident in this scene of destruction inside the arena following collapse of the roof in the early morning hours of January 20, 2014. Open to the sky, chunks of the roof, mounds of snow and other debris littered the ice surface. The ice resurfacer sits under portions of the roof in the top left corner. The photo was taken when Graham Parsons and several others were allowed into the lobby for a very short period late that afternoon, to recover computers, ďŹ les, provincial pictures and commemorative jerseys.

KAREN VAN MEER

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THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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The Past

VOLUNTEERS THE BACKBONE OF FIVE YEAR EFFORT TO CONSTRUCT ARENA The year was 1967 and all around Sylvan Lake hockey players were excelling at their sport in covered arenas. Many had ice plants which helped them get an early start on the season without worrying about the vagaries of weather.

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Sylvan Lake had a population of just over 1,400.

Yet down the road in Eckville, with a population half Sylvan’s size, they had built an indoor arena a few years earlier.

Sylvan was among the last of the Central Alberta communities to use an outdoor rink for its hockey teams, a rink located where the current town hall stands on 48th Avenue.

The indoor rink which began operation late in 1971 and was officially opened in February 1972, is a testament to the extensive work of volunteers from town and country who were involved in every facet of its construction (and in bringing our community together) — from the initial idea through fundraising to selecting a site and finally devoting many, many hours during actual construction to finish the building.

The following chronology of the arena’s conception, birth and early years, has been gathered from pages of the Sylvan Lake News.

Time for a covered rink A meeting was held in March 1967 and past recreation board chairman Bob Brown suggested an entire new board be elected. Seven people were nominated, five eventually being appointed by council.

Rev. John Yoos suggested at that meeting the board “should press for a start on a complex to embrace such things as an arena, swimming pool, etc.

One thought came out of the meeting, that if we are to stop the decline in population, we must offer more facilities to attract family people to settle here.”

The Sylvan Lake News, in an editorial in the same issue took up the cause, calling not only for an improvement in recreational facilities on the lakeshore, but also something new.

“We need and want a bowling alley or recreation centre. Many folks are against the idea of constructTRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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ing new buildings because of the probable increase into a separate fund for the project, meaning $2,231 in taxes to cover part of the building costs. The peo- was earmarked for the proposal in that first year.

Council adopted a plan to build the arena on the ple who are against the idea don’t realize they are stopping progress, that they are selfish and putting skating rink site, utilize the dressing rooms already their own greediness ahead of good reasoning. The there, and start collecting money for the project. usefulness and the fact that these buildings should pay off in time should justify their construction.”

Fundraising now a priority Appointed to the recreation board were Dr. Peter Rowell, Mrs. Pat Hamill, Councillor Gilbert The first donation to the arena fund came from Farthing, Mrs. B. Pedersen, Tony Diedrich with John elementary classes at Sylvan Lake School when an Yoos, and Bob Brown. Diedrich served as chairman. auction of left over clothing was held.

Two months later, at a meeting between the Several months later, Alf Cadman was the feachamber of commerce and town council, Councillor G. N. Fisher “announced that council had set tured speaker at a social evening dinner and dance hosted by the arena committee. aside one mill (of taxation) to “Alf, as many will recall, played provide an incentive for the town minor hockey here at Sylvan Lake as a whole to get behind some while attending school. From here, recreational project such as an he went on to play junior hockey for arena or swimming pool. Council the Lethbridge juniors and was later has intimated that the mill would drafted for a States team. More rebe turned over to such a worthy cently, he has returned to Red Deer project, provided a definite start where he played and coached the seis made.” nior Rustlers, and now is coach for Again the News’ editorial the league-leading Red Deer junior writer put pen to paper. “An hockey team.” arena is definitely a good step The Crystal Ship, a dance band in the right direction, as a great including Dwayne Ramsay, Richard many people young and old enSivacoe, Mike Ritz, Doug Schill and joy skating. Youngsters can take Phil Allen, raised $85 during a dance up the finer art of figure skating, at the school. and our boys and dads can get Then $250 was raised through an into hockey full scale, watched Arena Committee Valentine Dance.

In May 1968 came the announceby those less hearty folks from a - Sylvan lake News Editorial ment Sylvan Lake and District Arena warm lobby or from bleachers.

Committee was incorporated under “An arena would not be just the Societies Act. Signing incorporaa town project, in as much as farm lads usually make good hockey players too, and tion papers were Tony Diedrich, Mrs. Don May, John Lindman, Mrs. Wm. Hamill, Bruce Wilson, Dr. P. their dads often have more free time in winter.”

That appears to be the beginning. The town pro- Rowell and Mrs. Winnie Cameron.

It took a lot of backroom work to get the fundvided an incentive and talk about an arena began in raising campaign into high gear. But by late Novemearnest. But it took over four years to bring the projber the first major canvass was underway throughout ect to fruition. town and country.

By the end of June, 1967, the recreation board Another concern was the site. The arena comhad formed a committee “to formulate plans for an mittee had been advised by town council to wait for arena”. recommendations of the town planner regarding a Tony Dietrich, president of the recreation board site. So for three months, “the committee marked and chairman of the arena committee appeared be- time”.

At a meeting Nov. 20th, a vote favoured the 5.5 fore council in October with proposals for buildings acre site west of the school grounds, by one vote. The 120x200 feet at a cost of $87-$90,000.

Three sites were proposed — just north of West- votes were 13 for the school site, 12 for the present er’s Cabins, adjacent to the CNR; adjacent to the location and 2 for the site north-east of the curling rink. school; or at the present skating rink site.

Council passed a motion to set aside the 1 mill CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

“An arena would not be just a town project, in as much as farm lads usually make good hockey players too, and their dads often have more free time in winter.”

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Mr. Speaker I rise in this House to talk about hockey In a community that lies between Red Deer and Rocky.

Sylvan Lake’s plight is my subject of call.

Their arena did collapse under record snowfall.

The old barn came down without much warning A very close call, at 1 in the morning.

Many young children with no place to skate No stands to cheer from so proud and so great.

A rink that is known for its great hockey camp, Producing great players, some Stanley cup champs The Sutters, Morris, to name just a few, Ranford and Iginla, have skated there too And now comes the task, not incredibly small How to rebuild; the costs will be tall.

Sylvan Lake’s spirit will not be defeated Fundraising has started; the job CAN be completed.

And Mr. Speaker before my poem’s complete I do need to note, that with no small feat Other towns and cities, provided support Working together to help Sylvan Lake sport.

Thanks to Eckville, Clive, Blackfalds, Leduc Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House and Caroline too.

Maskwacis, Bashaw, Spruce View, Innisfail And Rimbey, a friend, just down the trail But today, I stand in support of this Town, For I’ve played too, in that building fell down.

What I ask for today, is support from the Hill, Vote for Sylvan Lake, at Kraft Hockeyville!

Scan the QR Code to watch the video on Youtube!

An arena committee meeting in February 1969 saw the resignation of Tony Diedrich and the appointment of Bruce Wilson as chairman. Earl Grimson was elected vice chairman, Mrs. Bill Hamill re-elected secretary and Mrs. Don May re-elected treasurer. Dr. Rowell remained chairman of Ways and Means.

A review of finances showed over $2,000 in the trust fund and cheques on hand. In addition, the town grant for 1967 and 1968 of $4,465.49 brings the total to over $7,000. Provincial grants now applied for would amount to $9,000, bringing the total available for construction to $16,000.

The largest single donation to date was from the Lions Club of Sylvan Lake — $1,000 presented by president Ken Wilkinson, treasurer Andy Murray and secretary Joe Engelman to Bruce Wilson.

Another canvass for funds began in March 1969.

By mid-April Mrs. Don May reported a total of $23,537.27 available for the proposed building. The bank balance showed $5,113.27, provincial grants $8,000, town grants $6,699, Lions pledge and post dated cheques $3,725.

Costs of two types of buildings were presented by Bruce Wilson. A 20-foot-wall building measuring 120x220 ft. would cost $51,000, while an arch-rib building would cost $36,000.

Volunteer labour would be needed to erect both types.

More funds rolled in. A dance at Benalto raised $300 thanks to generosity of the Kinna’s orchestra, Benalto Elks and the Entertainers. The Brownies raised $23 at their handicraft table.

A novel event in August was Sylvan Lake Fun Day Foot Rodeo. Then there was a walkathon in October which raised $3,000 with 171 people registered.

Sylvan Lake Silver Spurs put on a terrific turkey dinner and raised $200 the same month.

During the fall, Bruce Wilson asked town councillors to consider backing a loan for $22,000 so they could get started on the building.

Building contractor, site decided

BLAINE CALKINS, MP (Wetaskiwin)

1-800-665-0865 • www.blainecalkinsmp.ca 4

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

In mid-January 1970, it was announced “the decision has been made!”.

It was to “order the straight wall, bowstring truss roofed building from Western Archrib Structures of Edmonton”. While prices were to be firmed up, the bid for the shell, ready for ice, had been $52,000.

“The building will still require waiting room, bleachers, dressing rooms, etc. but the feeling was that

much of the work could be done locally on a donation basis.

A decision was also made on the site. It was to be built on the “area east of the elevators and half a block north of the curling rink. It is across the tracks from the business district and will be bounded on the west by the Curling Rink street, on the north by the railway, on the south by Wester’s property and on the east by Joe’s Cabins.

“The arena committee presently has $13,728.56 in the bank with no bills outstanding. The town one mill tax, which has not been paid, amounts to $6,600 and provincial grants are estimated at about $17,000. This still leaves about $15,000 to raise plus work on boards and waiting rooms, etc.”

A skateathon in March, on the oval just off the end of the pier, raised $2,500 through the efforts of 108 skaters.

During a meeting in June, councillors approved a loan for $13,000 with repayment in three years by the Sylvan Lake and District Arena fund, to allow the committee to get started on the project.

Work begins on construction “The arena committee moved fast after granting of money they needed to get a start. Soil was broken on Tuesday morning (June 9, 1970) and the site levelled so that engineering can be carried out.”

A week later the Sylvan Lake News reported, work has progressed at the site. Duke Bell has donated two days cat work. Bob German has provided a tractor and this was coupled to the town’s packer by Gene Simoneau and Jim Pauquette.

“Next farmers and trucks are to be organized to haul sand for the two foot fill under the ice surface. It is hoped 20-25 trucks can be lined up for this job.”

The first haul took place in late June and another in early August.

By late July plans were approved for the Wilson Arch Rib building for the arena.

A contract in the amount of $54,000 was given to Wilson Archrib of Calgary in late September with a 60 day completion.

“The holdup had been the grant from the Department of Youth but the grant has been approved at about the $17,000 mark. Confirmation of this spurred signing of the contract.”

Work got started in mid-October 1970 with Vic-Air Drilling of Red Deer drilling out holes for the piers. Forming material started to show up.

A Nov. 12 article stated, “The new Sylvan Lake arena is rapidly taking

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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DISCOVERED - Back in February 1972, the crew

building Sylvan Lake’s arena signed a copy of the Sylvan Lake News announcing the new facility’s opening and placed it in a glass jar under the stairs of the bleachers. It was found in 2001 by Albert Whitford when railings were installed and the stairs widened. Then it was put away only to resurface recently. A group of those who signed the paper gathered Saturday, March 30, 2013 to reminisce and have their photo taken. They included, in the back row, Ken Johnson, Brian Nielsen and Sven Larsen and in the front row Robert Popilchak and Ray Reynolds. The group laughed that a stubby beer bottle was found in the same secret location. Others who signed the paper but have since died were Andy Murray, Art Ada and Howard Minchin. Popilchak, who got the group together, was unable to located Brian Harrison. The paper will be turned over to Sylvan Lake and District Archives, he said.

STEVE DILLS - April 4, 2013

WE ARE HOCKEYVILLE!

Congratulations Sylvan Lakers!

Congratulations Sylvan Lake!

Your community is all HEART & all HOCKEY!

Earl Dreeshen 5012 48 Avenue | 403.887.2141

www.sylvanlake.ca TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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Member of Parliament | Red Deer Red Deer Office 4315-55th Avenue, Suite 100A Red Deer, AB T4N 4N7 403.347.7426 Ottawa Office: 613.995.0590 www.earldreeshen.ca THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

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CONGRATULATIONS

FROM THE FOLLOWING MUNICIPALITIES TO SYLVAN LAKE ON YOUR HOCKEYVILLE VICTORY!

Way to go Sylvan Lake!

From your friends at the Town of Rimbey!

TOWN OF RIMBEY

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Congratulations from your neighbors to the West! We were pleased to have helped out by providing ice time for your young hockey stars during your time of need and we are extremely happy to see the winners of the Kraft Hockeyville Challenge become a triumph for all of Central Alberta.

TOWN OF ECKVILLE 403.746.2171 | www.eckville.com | 5023-51 Avenue

Congratulations Sylvan Lake!

Your community spirit and passion for hockey is an inspiration to all of us!

TOWN OF BLACKFALDS

403.843.2113 | www.rimbey.com | 4938-50 Avenue

403.885.4677 | www.blackfalds.com | 5018 Waghorn Street

Congratulations to the volunteers in the Town of Sylvan Lake for winning KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2014!

Our Congratulations to Sylvan Lake, the host of Kraft Hockeyville 2014!!!

TOWN OF OLDS

VILLAGE OF CLIVE

403.556.6981 | www.olds.ca | 4512-46 Street

403.784.3366 | www.clive.ca | 5115-50 Street

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 form. Contractor’s crew has set up steeding and beams and last week quite a number of volunteers were on hand to carry on with the ‘extra’ work on the front end.”

A new drive for funds was also underway under chairman Charles Albert.

“Target date for flooding has been tentatively set at the last week in December thereby making the ice surface available about the first of the year.”

Volunteer work was instrumental in completion of the arena.

In the Nov. 26 News, Lorne Peabody, works chairmans, said work bees have been turning out in good force and work has been keeping pace with demand. “At no time has the contractor been held up waiting for the local crew to complete their portion of the work.

“It is proposed on Sunday to sheet the rink side of the wall between the rink and the waiting room.”

A special event was held Nov. 30 to accept provincial money for the project.

Mr. W. K. Hembroff, recreation consultant, Department of Youth, presented a cheque for $17,151 “which represents financial assistance toward capital facility development between April 1968 and March 1973. Accepting the cheque for Sylvan Lake & District Recreation Board was Father Heffernan.”

Cold weather pushed the arena completion date into January. Then “extreme cold weather” pushed the date further into 1971. Finally the season was lost because the project wasn’t completed.

“In order to clear up some misconceptions which seem to be widespread about the arena we print the facts and figures as they are known and estimates for completion,” stated a Jan. 28, 1971 article.

“The total cost of the building itself was $54,600 with the outside finished. This is the shell only and money for this is already in hand.

“Many facilities are needed before the arena can become a complete unit and be a self supporting unit. These include lighting, heating, plumbing, boards, bleachers, waiting rooms, concession area, etc.

These will all be done from donation work only. No addition to the tax structure will be called for on these at all. “… It is estimated that between $12,000 and $15,000 will be needed to complete the arena properly.”

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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Fundraising continued through 1971 Another Sylvan Lake Arena Skateathon was held at the east oval on the lake Feb. 14 raising over $1,800 with 80 skaters participating.

“A goodly number of pre-schoolers particpated, many skating a good distance. “All hockey teams Mites, Peewees (1 and 2) and bantams were about 50% represented overall.

The Arena Committee also took over the Winter Carnival after the chamber of commerce decided not to put on the annual event.

In March council passed a bylaw for payment of $9,186.65 to the arena committee, this being the accrued value of the one mill assessments for the years 1967-70.

Work got underway on an agreement between the town and arena board for administration of the arena.

Then as fall approached more work bees were held.

A work party in October started on sheeting up inside the building.

A group of 6-8 adults and 10-12 youngsters were on hand and sheeting on the north wall was completed and the east wall between the waiting room and the ice was started.

A decision was made on the waiting room. “Much material and equipment will be salvaged from the old skating rink and will be put to use in the arena. This includes washroom equipment, etc.”

The Lions Club again stepped forward and agreed to build the boards and bleachers. “Lumber, which came from near Calgary, was hauled by Ken Wilkinson and Dick German and most of it is now on hand. Monies for this project will come out of the forthcoming Grey Cup Pool.”

It was later reported the total cost of the project was $1,710.52, which included purchase of lumber, freighting it in, which was donated to the club by members, cement, metal, nails, and other hardware items used in setting up the fence.

All labour involved was donated.

By Nov. 11, the story was, “all dressing rooms and washrooms have been framed in and are now awaiting the sheeting. December 1st is the target date for completion. Final task will be to sheet the waiting room wall and varnish it. This is to be done with a better grade of plywood.”

Now that a covered rink was in sight, a senior hockey team was entered into the Central Alberta Intermediate League and a 24-game schedule established.

“Work is still going on at the arena with the few able and willing

hands showing up night after night.”

The December target was approaching. With co-operative weather, flooding for ice could begin by the end of November.

Finally open for use Just a little past that deadline, the Dec. 9, 1971 News stated “skating commences this weekend”.

“Outside of the waiting rooms most of the arena is ready to go or will be by the end of the week. Much of it is on a temporary set-up but will be used this season in this way with improvements being made along the way.”

After almost five years of discussion, fundraising and many, many hours of volunteer labour, Sylvan Lake Arena was officially opened Feb. 26, 1972 by Dr. J. Grant McEwan, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, in conjunction with the annual Winter Carnival.

However work was ongoing. A Winter Incentives grant was used for installation of seating in the structure and other tasks needed to improve and help complete the structure, in early 1972. Money for the materials must come from the arena committee, with the government grant covering labour only.

Ray Reynolds was hired to supervise this work.

The town advanced $3,000 to the Arena Committee for the materials.

And further fundraising took place.

About this time, Bruce Wilson, transferred to Red Deer and Walter Hartigh became president of the Arena Committee. Secretary was Mrs. Glenda Pogadl and treasurer Gordon Befus.

Among fundraising activities taking place were the carnival, a blitz canvass, Chatauqua, bingo, raffle, and proceeds from hockey game ticket sales and rentals.

By November, the town had been paid back for materials supplied for the bleachers, and the committee asked council to supply materials to improve the upstairs area under a similar federal Local Initiative Program where labour costs would be paid. Council agreed.

The first dance held in the upstairs hall took place Mar. 24, 1973 and they became regular events.

By mid-1974 an artificial ice plant was being investigated and it was finally installed in July 1975 under a unique partnership between Alf Cadman’s Sylvan Lake Sports Ltd. and the Town of Sylvan Lake, which led to the beginning of Sylvan Lake Hockey Camp.

Fun Facts MARCH 19, 1970 - The Arena Skateathon raised approximately $2,500 by the efforts of 108 skaters.

Youngest of the skaters was Daryl Pickering, 2, and oldest was Fred Sjoquist, 70 years and 9 months. Mrs. Kerr at 69 was the oldest woman skating. Of the adults skating, Bob Pickering was the oldest to complete the 25 miles.

Linda Hamill and Randy Mannix skated the most laps for the kiddies, both are five years old and they skated 24 and 28 laps respectively.

Tracy Bloxham, 12, is in a good position to pick up the prize for earning the most money of the girls under 16. Alex Frank is in the same position for the boys under 16.

Alex was also the first of the skaters to complete the 25 miles.

JUNE 25, 1970 - A farmer organized sand moving program was carried out Friday which saw more sand than expected moved to the arena site.

Gas for vehicles was provided by Ray Ferguson of U.F.A. Co-op, Mr. Gamache of Spruceline Mobile Home Park donated use of a cat, Bob Herder provided a tractor and loader and operated it while Norman Bols operated the cat.

Among the truckers who did a tremendous job and we hope we have all the names were, Mattson, V. Bell, Jack and Stan Swainson, E. Grimson, B. Hagerman, L. Peabody, P. Hillman, Town of Sylvan Lake, Staudinger, Fitch, Lindman, Heth, F. Johnson, Ramsay, Walters, H. Bystrom, Barkers, S. Smith, R. Wold.

Sand was hauled from the Crumback pit, two miles south of the Midway Service Station and the program went off very well.

NOVEMBER 12, 1970 - The new Sylvan Lake arena is rapidly taking form.

Contractor’s crew has set up steeding and beams and last week quite a number of volunteers were on hand to carry on with the ‘extra’ work on the front end. Workers on the site last weekend commented that they had never seen children working so hard as the youngsters shifted materials from the saw to where they were needed and lumber from piles to the saw as it was required.

The children are proving by their work they really want the arena and are willing to do their share in getting it.

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

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THOUSANDS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE HOCKEY CAMP AND ENJOYED SYLVAN’S MANY ATTRIBUTES

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Graham Parsons has frequently referred to Sylvan Lake Arena as “the busiest rink in rural Western Canada”.

A big reason for its activity level has been Sylvan Lake Hockey Camp which has operated in the building every summer since 1975.

Proof of its popularity, and the impact of experiences on those who attended, were the many, many calls and messages that Parsons received following news of January’s untimely collapse of part of the arena roof.

Creation of the hockey camp is also the reason there was an ice plant installed early in the arena’s history so summer artificial ice would be available.

Back in the early 1970s, Alf Cadman, a real estate developer and promoter in the Red Deer area, who had been raised in Sylvan Lake, had a vision. It included vastly increasing Sylvan’s tourism trade through a variety of strategic recreation-based investments.

In May 1975, his idea was introduced with announcement of a syndicate who had purchased Sylvan Lake Golf Course, Sylvan Lake Marina (formerly the Rec. Centre) and Sandy Cove Trailer Park and planned to create Sylvan Lake Hockey School and Sylvan Lake Water Ski School.

The partners were business investors and professional hockey planers, all connected with the Red Deer Rustlers Junior Hockey Club. Cadman was president of the club.

“Through the combined efforts of these five recreational activities it is the hope of the owners that Sylvan Lake will become a major family summer resort as well as a centre for winter activities in which skidooing, kite flying, snow skiing and fishing can take place,” said an article in the May 28, 1975 Sylvan Lake News.

“Sylvan Lake Hockey School has been granted a 15-year lease from the Town of Sylvan Lake for use of the arena during the months of July, August to Sept.

15,” stated the article.

Earlier stories had indicated the lease was secured after the group paid the cost of the ice plant and related accessories.

The golf course was to be managed by co-owners Bonnie and Graham Parsons; the marina by Paul Hallman; the trailer park (which was along the beach west of 50th Street, where Chateau Suites and the water slide now sit) by Brenda and Reg Kinch; the

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hockey school by Roy Frisken and Brian Ogilvie with figure skating as part of the program under direction of Brenda Kinch and Roy Frisken; and the water ski school by John Berg, Dave Herson and Robert Wing.

The ice plant arrived July 10, 1975 and since Sylvan Lake Sports Ltd., operators of the hockey school, didn’t get a full season’s use of the facility the lease was extended for one season.

As things progressed there were changes in the ownership group and their various responsibilities.

Parsons became hockey camp coordinator.

Brian Sutter joined the group about the second year as a shareholder to work with the hockey school.

“Through his initial tireless work he put the camp on the map,” said Parsons. He was a shareholder until 1984. Sutter and his NHL playing brothers remained involved taking turns working through the 1980s and until about 1992.

Parsons left in the fall of 1979 to manage the Hobbema Hawks Jr. A team and the hockey school “exploded mainly due to Brian and the location. It went to eight or nine weeks and dropped figure skating.

“I came back in 1984 and bought back in,” said Parsons.

He’s been involved ever since.

“I remember walking into the rink the very first time (in 1975). It was a pretty ordinary rink. In June it

was under total construction and we were bringing in big hospital beds for the dorm (which was on the second floor). I looked out and wondered what I was getting into. I went upstairs and still remember that part, the first year we barely got going, 40 kids with 20 of them from the Blood Indian Reserve at Standoff.”

The ice plant was brand new and run by natural gas. When it failed “we made it through the first two weeks on the shear diligence of Ed Lightbown who babysat the plant 24 hours a day”.

Parsons and Reg Kinch ran the operation in those first few years. Then “when Brian Sutter became keenly involved, in just his first year as a pro, it started to show signs of increasing. By the third year we filled four weeks including one two-week session.”

They’d had trouble filling July so during the second year started a figure skating school which filled three weeks. One of the early students was a nine-yearold Kurt Browning.

Besides high calibre coaching, another reason the camp’s popularity took off was that it was the only hockey school at a summer resort at that time, said Parsons.

Asked about highlights of his almost 40 year involvement, Parsons said it’s the “constant circle of generations going through. People from everywhere are now recycling back”. He’s now into the second generation of students and expects in the next three years to have some third generation attendees. “It’s very gratifying, it keeps you young, said the 61-year-old.

“What was so interesting the day the rink fell down was I heard from all those people from 20 years ago or more. That’s how I knew the school had a big impact on people. While we knew that, we never knew it was going to be that long lasting an impact.”

He estimates over 50,000 students have attended.

While the arena’s untimely end led to a quicker change in location, Parsons had been planning to move into the multiplex in the next couple years when the arena closed.

Now he’s just weeks away from another busy summer season.

Proud moment - Los Angeles Kings player Colin Fraser flanked by RCMP officers Const. Marrla Boxall and Cpl. Kevin Halwa, carried the Stanley Cup to a celebrations in town last Wednesday (July 18, 2012). A number of festivities were held to mark the occasion.

STEVE DILLS

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Congratulations

Strong people build strong communities.

Sylvan Lake!

for showing your community spirit and being

Congratulations to the residents of Sylvan Lake awarded Hockeyville 2014. We’re proud to be your credit union.

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9

INTERESTING MEMORIES ABOUT CONSTRUCTION OF ARENA

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Editor’s Note: We’re sure there are many memories and stories about construction of the arena or events in it during the past 40 years. Unfortunately time didn’t allow us to talk to many people as we prepared this project. If you’d like to write down some of your information we’ll try and add it to a future issue. In the meantime, here’s a memory from Dale Mannix.

The contract to build the arena didn’t include the upstairs. That was done by volunteer labour.

The west wall was built by Ray Reynolds, Walter Hartigh and others on the second floor but then came the question of how to raise it since there weren’t cranes easily available in those days.

Mannix and Lorne Peabody were working for Calgary Power at the time. “We set a pole right against the building in the middle, attached blocks at the top and ran a cable down. With a Calgary Power one ton truck we winched the wall into place.”

Mannix estimated it was about 100 feet long and 14-16 feet high.

“It was a scary thing. We had people pushing up from the ends with 2 x 4’s,” he said. “It had a hell of

a bow in it before we got it into place. If you tried to do that today you’d be shut down in a New York minute.”

He added the two end walls, on the north and south sides, were easy to put into place since they weren’t as high.

Mannix remembers many people involved and many hours of volunteer work to get the arena into shape for use.

It was country people — people from south, east and west of town who were among those helping, as well as a dedicated contingent of town residents.

The surrounding districts, including Burnt Lake, Marianne and Kuusamo, to mention a few, the town couldn’t have done it without help from those people, he said.

Another incident he remembers was travelling with Don May to Grande Cache to pick up a load of rubber belting from a mine which was shutting down. It was used when they put the addition on the side for the dressing rooms.

An article in the Sylvan Lake News of Nov. 19, 1975, noted Mannix, along with Garth Bauman, Gordon Befus and Lorne Peabody volunteered to ar-

“It was a scary thing. We had people pushing up from the ends with 2 x 4’s,” he said. “It had a hell of a bow in it before we got it into place. If you tried to do that today you’d be shut down in a New York minute.”

- Dale Mannix

range a Tommy Anderson display. Leonard Reynolds was to build the display unit.

Anderson played eight seasons in the NHL between 1934 and 1943, and then after other hockey related jobs joined his parents in Sylvan where he resided until his death in 1971.

Mannix said he doesn’t remember that project ever being completed.

– The Spirit of Community –

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Hockey History in Sylvan Lake

Taken at outdoor rink in 1947. In the back row are Bill Cameron, Henry Hussfeldt, Doug McCutcheon, Gerry Fisher, Ken Coutts, Earl Grimson, Stan Swainson, John Chatwood and Teddy May; in the second row are, Dave McCutcheon, Dennis Johanson, Les Perkinson, Dick Swainson and Gordon Keith; and in front with the trophy are Gaston Rosse and Wes Armeneau.

Photo courtesy Sylvan Lake & District Archives Society

The Sylvan Lake Buffaloes of 1950 included, in the top row, Dale Mannix, George Ross, Joe Untinen, Alf Cadman, Leonard Brassard and Larry Watt; and in the bottom row, Walter Hermanson, Lee Mannix, Ivan Conroy, John Ross and Gerry Peters.

Photo courtesy Sylvan Lake & District Archives Society

A scene from 1946-47 shows a hockey game on the skating rink on corner of Main Street and 48th Avenue in Sylvan Lake.

Photo courtesy Sylvan Lake & District Archives Society

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11

A press conference about noon Monday (Jan. 20, 2014) attracted lots of interest from news media who shot pictures of the damage before spreading the story far and wide across the country.

STEVE DILLS - January 23, 2014

and the verdict is…

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NHL PLAYERS HAVE BEEN RAISED HERE; OTHERS CHOSE TO LIVE IN SYLVAN AREA

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

How many communities across Canada can claim to have sired as many NHL players as Sylvan Lake?

That would be an interesting question to have answered.

Perhaps the best example of Sylvan’s influence was an event held at C. P. Blakely School in January 2011.

Students and staff recognized four former students who all went on to play at the highest level of hockey, the NHL, during a special presentation by former teacher Eric Everitt and current teacher Regan Lynn.

Derek Morris, Brandon Sutter, Shane Willis and Darcy Loewen were raised in Sylvan and competed on the international stage.

“Recognizing former students gives current students something to relate to when they want to realize their dreams and goals, the teachers felt.

“There are not many elementary schools that can say they have had four kids make it to the NHL,” said Everitt.

“I have a connection with all four by either teaching them or working with them in some capacity. I thought it was a great way to show the students to go for their dreams. if they work hard, their dreams can come true.”

A signed jersey and picture of each player now hangs in the school.

Sylvan Lake was also honoured to host the Stanley Cup when Los Angeles Kings player Colin Fraser brought it here following his team’s winning 20112012 season.

Fraser and his family live in Sylvan Lake during the off-season. He used to

play for the Red Deer Rebels, during which time he met his wife, Carli Britton, a local resident. Originally from British Columbia, Fraser said in a story at the time, he’s proud to call Sylvan Lake and Central Alberta home.

That was the second time in 2012 the Cup had visited Sylvan Lake. It was here in March for the pond hockey tournament, accompanied by former Montreal Canadien Gilbert Dionne and former Edmonton Oiler goalie Grant Fuhr, thanks to the efforts of Hockey Central Memorabilia owners Darren Field and Michelle Becker.

Other NHL players make Sylvan Lake their summer retreats or have in the past. An interesting story from the Edmonton Journal of July 2008, warned of the Sylvan Lake curse.

“If the day comes, and the dream is realized, you are well-advised to reject any invitation to visit Joffrey Lupul at his cottage,” wrote Scott McKeen.

“Lupul, while languishing at Sylvan Lake, was traded to new NHL teams on two of the past three Canada Days. This year, Edmonton Oiler Matt Greene visited and was immediately dispatched to Los Angeles.

“Curtis Glencross, just snubbed by Edmonton and forced to sign with the dreaded Calgary Flames, was also a visitor.

“Scottie Upshall, a Philadelphia Flyer forward who spends much of his off-season in Edmonton, is another regular visitor at Lupul’s cottage on Canada Day. So far, he’s escaped the curse.”

Others also call Sylvan home, whether for the summer, or year round.

Home is where the hockey is!

OVER THE YEARS MANY NHL PLAYERS HAVE CALLED SYLVAN LAKE HOME, HERE ARE JUST A FEW:

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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DEREK MORRIS

SHANE WILLIS

“I attended a few hockey camps every summer. The one that stands out for me the most was the Sylvan Lake Hockey School.”

- Jarome Iginla

CAMP HAS SEEN ITS SHARE OF NHL PLAYERS COACHING, FUTURE PLAYERS ATTENDING

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

NHL star Jarome Iginla really captured the essense of the Sylvan Lake Hockey Camp experience in an NHL Power Play featured Question of the Month, according to Graham Parsons.

The question was, “What hockey camp did you attend when you were a kid?”

His answer.

“I attended a few hockey camps every summer. The one that stands out for me the most was the Sylvan Lake Hockey School. I’m from St. Albert, Alberta. Sylvan Lake was about an hour and a half away and my grandpa would take me to this school for the week and we would camp there. The school stands out to me because they not only taught on ice and had plenty of instructors, but had off ice teaching about hockey skills as well. I also liked

BRANDON SUTTER

DARCY LOEWEN

that at the end of the week of skills they broke us up and had one final ‘big’ game where we played. Most of all it was the time I got to spend camping with my family that I enjoyed the most.”

While a number of future NHL players spent time at Sylvan Lake Hockey School, Parsons said, “I’ve never put together a list. There are a lot. We were the only camp at the time at a summer resort.”

Some of the more familiar and memorable are locals such as Kelly Kisio, Chris Mason, Shane Willis and Darcy Loewen, as well as the Sutter boys.

Others worked as instructors.

Parsons credits Brian Sutter with really getting the school off the ground when he was in his first pro year.

“Brian and his brothers were the backbone of the first 20 years,” states the camp’s website.

COLIN FRASER

JOFFREY LUPUL

CURTIS GLENCROSS

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

13

The Present

DEVASTATING

- Shortly before 1 a.m. Monday morning (Jan. 20, 2014), Patrick Sawyer was flooding the surface of the old Sylvan Lake Arena when he heard several bangs.

Then after another series of bangs, the roof started to collapse and he scrambled to safety uninjured. Mayor Sean McIntyre, Sawyer, and Graham Parsons, owner of Sylvan Lake Summer Hockey School, operator of the arena and a town councillor, examined the wreckage shortly afterwards. Several beams fell in, the back wall was blown out and the ice surface was completely littered with snow and debris. The machine Sawyer was operating was also buried by the falling roof. A women’s hockey team, the last to use the facility, had departed the building around midnight.

STEVE DILLS - JANUARY 23, 2014

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Hockeyville Campaign Highlights CULLED FROM PAGES OF SYLVAN LAKE NEWS Sylvan Lake’s efforts led the nation in members on Kraft Hockeyville site FILES BY STEVE DILLS AND TREENA MIELKE SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Everyone’s support needed to get behind Hockeyville campaign Kevin Putnam and Jared Waldo were behind the idea of mobilizing our community to win the Kraft Hockeyville grand prize this year, after devastating news last week of the collapse of part of our arena’s roof.

A Facebook page was set up quickly, and it’s popularity has grown by leaps and bounds. Over 4,100 people ‘liked’ the page by Tuesday evening, about a week after the event of Jan. 20. Its purpose is to encourage people to enter the actual contest through the Kraft Hockeyville website, post their stories, read other posts and vote their support for them and Sylvan Lake’s bid.

They’ve received additional help in the past few days from Dianne Womacks, Karen Van Meer and others.

Meetings have been held, ideas are percolating, contacts are being urged to help and our community is galvanizing its support to secure the $100,000 grand prize for arena improvements along with the opportunity to host a pre-season NHL game in the multiplex.

“Vote for Sylvan Lake building an even better leisure and convention centre, it’s up to us, our community,” encourages a set of instructions on the Facebook page and posters being distributed around town.

Initially Sylvan Lake must get ranked in the top 16. To do that people need to nominate “Medican Multiplex, Sylvan Lake” and submit a “moving and compelling story” about why winning is important to you and our community.

Think about what you’d like to say that might convince judges we’re worthy of their consideration.

- January 30, 2014

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THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

A flurry of activity propelled Sylvan Lakers towards the deadline for entries in the Kraft Hockeyville competition.

It appears community support was successful, as Sylvan Lake’s entry was in first place across Canada at the close of the initial contest period with 1,953 members and 2,120 uploads, according to a check on the website early Wednesday morning.

Sylvan Lake’s entry was in first place across Canada at the close of the initial contest period with 1,953 members and 2,120 uploads That’s significantly higher than the 1,647 members listed for what appeared to be the second place community, Credit Union Centre in Kingston, Nova Scotia.

The goal was to get Sylvan Lake into the top 16 for the next round of the competition — eight in the west and eight in the east.

Now, during the next month, an in-house panel of judges will adjudicate the entries based one-third each on originality, community spirit and passion for hockey. So having the highest number of members isn’t the only criteria.

A banner which read Go Sylvan Lake Go Hockeyville Fever 2014 with the Kraft Hockeyville logo, created by Monty at Sir Lancelot Signs at the instigation of Kelly Edgecombe, made the rounds of businesses, teams and schools last week, with pictures snapped by the hundreds and posted either to the Facebook page or the Hockeyville site.

The banner was so motivating, that it’s taken on a life of its own and has actually got a name now, Graham Parsons told town councillors Monday night. “Krafty” has even been requested by several groups for an appear-

CBC cameraman Zac Laszuk filmed boisterous students at École H. J. Cody High School on March 26, which was shown on Hockey Night in Canada. Watch the video on YouTube at http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGvWXfcJbGs.

STEVE DILLS

ance at special events.

“Businesses loved it. The got pictures taken with it. People are talking about it.”

Many teams also took Go Sylvan Lake Go signs with them to games in distant communities and posed for ‘scramble photos’ with their opponents.

The contest, besides motivating people to write their memories, also spurred many to dig through old pictures and post them to the Hockeyville site.

Another element of the competition was supplied when Darcy Rosie organized a massive group picture with the remains of the old arena in the background. About 325 people braved frigid -30˚C wind chill to be included in the commemorative picture.

- February 13, 2014

Everyone’s votes needed for Sylvan to win A huge wave of support was clearly evident for Sylvan Lake in its bid to win Kraft Hockeyville 2014 at a kick off held at the Legion last Wednesday (Feb. 26).

Not only was the hall filled with local supporters including Mayor Sean McIntyre, several councillors and many local business owners, but outof-town dignitaries and individuals at-

tended the event, as well.

Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer and Hockey Alberta president Terry Engen were among those offering support and encouragement.

“At the end of the day, tragedy brings a community together,” said Veer, referring to the collapse the arena roof.

Her concluding statement, “We will support Sylvan Lake,” was met with a round of applause.

“Good luck. Sylvan Lake is a great community and Hockeyville (could be) a very important part of it,” added Engen.

Sherry Haarstad and Lane Moore, members of Bentley Hockeyville committee two years ago when the town placed fourth in the competition, complimented volunteers on their hard work.

“I am amazed by what you guys have done in the last month,” said Haarstad. She said the quest to win Hockeyville brings a community together.

“It is a legacy of community spirit that will stick with you long after.”

Moore said having volunteers step up early is very important.

“We are here to support you — just ask.” … Councillor Graham Parsons, head of the Hockeyville campaign, appealed to the crowd to spread the word that online Hockeyville voting will begin at 10 p.m. on March 8 and run for TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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48 hours.

“It’s important that everyone learn the process of voting. We need to blast emails all over to let people know what’s going on.”

Parson suggested voters use their creativity to figure out the best way to hold voting blitzes.

Some local supporters plan to gather at the Legion Saturday to kick off the voting.

Parsons stressed Sylvan Lake’s success depends on the willingness of its citizens to get involved.

“This is grassroots. It’s you and me,” he said. “It will be a huge community effort, but above all let’s make this fun.”

- March 6, 2014

Vote, vote, vote is the goal of Hockeyville campaign organizers A group of volunteers have been working frantically preparing to get the vote out during the Kraft Hockeyville competition this weekend.

Announcement of the top 16 communities is scheduled for the intermission between the second and third periods of the first Hockey Night in Canada game Saturday night.

Then an intense 48-hour period of voting takes place to determine what four communities — two from the west and two from the east — will move on to the next round of voting. A second announcement will be made during a Hockey Night in Canada game on Mar. 15. The final round of voting will begin Mar. 22 after the field has been narrowed to two communities.

“We fully expect to be among the top 16,” said committee chairman Graham Parsons. “Then it’s a case of go, go, go.”

“Our whole goal is to bring national attention to our town and to bring our community together.”

Now that voting is just days away, things are ramping up to spread the word that our entry needs votes.

Volunteers are attending hockey games in Central Alberta locations. A group will be at the Red Deer Rebels game Friday night. Others will be at the Red Deer home show Saturday and Sunday. And still others will be at the Bentley Generals game to rally support for Sylvan Lake. A booth is being planned for Bower Mall this weekend to encourage people to support Sylvan Lake.

The computer lab at École H. J. Cody High School will be open for the announcement Saturday evening and TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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through the night to Sunday afternoon, said Jas Payne. Approximately 80 computers are available for teams, groups, businesses and others wanting to participate.

The Legion is hosting a “Voting Day” party Saturday evening where people can gather to watch the announcement and then begin voting.

Another rally is being planned at the multiplex for kids and families.

That evening there’s a Peewee AA playoff game and a Midget AA playoff game against Red Deer. Both are sure to excite.

- March 6, 2014

Encourage people from across country to join our cause Community spirit, enthusiasm and drive were evident in Sylvan Lake’s bid for the Kraft Hockeyville title over the weekend.

Sylvan Lake was among the Top 16 communities when the first round of voting began Saturday evening. For 48 hours votes were accumulated by dedicated people who believe our community can win.

Organizers fully expect the tremendous effort by residents, friends and neighbours from Sylvan and many other communities will vault us into the Top 4 when the next announcement is made during Hockey Night in Canada this Saturday (Mar. 15).

Now we need to spread our tentacles wider and garner support from people across the country, encouraging them to support Sylvan Lake in the next round of voting, said Sylvan’s committee chairman Graham Parsons.

Another intense 48 hour period of voting will begin at 10 p.m. MST Saturday night and Sylvan Lake (of course we’ll be there) needs to tabulate hundreds of thousands of votes to move into the Top 2 which will be announced Mar. 22.

Then, when we’re the only western community, competing against an eastern community, we again need 48 hours of commitment to put us over the top in voting, said Parsons.

He asked everyone to contact friends and business associates across Canada to gather support and encourage voting for Sylvan Lake. Do it now, don’t wait until the announcement, he added. Be prepared!

- March 13, 2014

Sylvan preparing for next round of voting Ripples of anticipation are percolating through Sylvan Lake as residents eagerly await an announcement Saturday evening that the community is among the Top 4 in the Kraft Hockeyville competition.

Cheers rang out at the Legion and multiplex last Saturday evening when there was a brief announcement during the Hockey Night in Canada game that Sylvan Lake had made the cut and was in the Top 16.

Then people sprang to action, voting again and again (yes, you can vote as many times as you want). Organizers confidently believe the tremendous community spirit, drive and enthusiasm will propel Sylvan Lake into the Top 4 when the next announcement is made this Saturday. Then there’s another intense 48 hour period to narrow the field to the Top 2 who will be announced the following Saturday followed by a final round of voting.

In conjunction with the next round, a Kraft Hockeyville community dinner is being planned for H. J. Cody School Saturday featuring Kraft Dinner and weiners. Flashback Freddie will be there to entertain and there will be lots of community spirit at this family event.

Banners and signs will be spread throughout Sylvan Lake and surrounding communities, by volunteers, encouraging people to vote as the organization ramps up its efforts for the next round.

In all of the promotion which is taking place to rally Sylvan Lake and our supporters, it’s heartening to see the community spirit flourishing.

At École H. J. Cody High School, the computer lab, with 80 computers, was open for voters.

Jas Payne estimated over 20,000 votes were logged Saturday night, partly by a group of 13 year old girls who held a ‘slumber party’ voting non-

stop for six hours. “It was fantastic,” he said. About 30-40 people spent time Sunday voting. Then Monday, Cody students kept the lab busy by voting. … The Sylvan Lake Hockeyville Facebook page, maintained by Dianne Womacks, has been a hub of quickly evolving information throughout, attracting over 5,800 likes already.

One of the questions posed was, ‘Where are you voting from?’. Over 150 people responded from communities such as Fort St. John, Courtenay, Kamloops, Campbell River, Salt Spring Island, Terrace and Sparwood in BC, Watrous, Yorkton and Kamsack, SK, Whitehorse, Yukon, Bloodvein and McCreary MB, Sarnia, Burlington, Belleville, Ingersoll and Stirling, ON, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and other Canadian locales. The campaign’s reach has also taken its message to other countries with voters reporting from several locations in Arizona, Florida, California and South Carolina. England, Costa Rica, Belize, Japan, New Zealand, Columbia and Mexico were some of the other international locations where snowbirds and former Sylvan residents were voting.

Some of the posts have also provided emotional reactions, added Womacks. She noted one from Trev Smith who wrote “Got over a hundred votes in while I’m on location waiting on a rig until the net just got too slow to keep going. Someone has to take over for me!” The responses were great. “Got your back,” wrote Debbie Thomas. “Got it covered Trev,” added Sylvia Spasic. “I keep going Trev,” wrote MC Clarke. Mackenzie Rogers posted, “I have not stopped all day, I got it covered!”

- March 13, 2014

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 A group of youngsters watched a big screen at the community centre during the March 22 announcement that Sylvan Lake made the Top 2.

DIANNE WOMACKS

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

17

PUTNAM, WALDO SPURRED SYLVAN’S HOCKEYVILLE TITLE WITH THEIR NOMINATIONS

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Kevin Putnam and Jared Waldo, both raised in Sylvan Lake and former Sylvan Lake Hockey Camp employees, are credited with starting the Kraft Hockeyville craze in Sylvan Lake.

Described as a “passionate Sylvan Laker”, Putnam who now lives in Whitehorse, Yukon, nominated Sylvan Lake for the Kraft Hockeyville competition.

Here’s how his contribution was described on the Sylvan Lake Hockeyville 2014 Facebook page by coordinator Dianne Womacks.

“The arena collapse on January 20th spurred a fire, a passion deep within him. He knew then how strong Sylvan Lake Spirit really was. He’s always known. Something that many of us are just now fully understanding.

“Thank you Kevin.

“Through your foresight, you have pulled a grieving community together, young and old.

Through your Hockeyville nomination and this amazing Hockeyville adventure, you have given Sylvan Lake life. You have given us hope, and Sylvan Lake Spirit is on fire. Thank you for sharing your passion, your spirit, your wisdom. Thank you for knowing that Sylvan Lake is Hockeyville!”

Here’s Waldo’s story, which also appeared on

the Facebook page early in the campaign.

“It started right after the collapse of the arena.

I got a text at 1 a.m. telling me what had happened, and later that day (or the next) Kevin got in touch with me and brought up the idea of Hockeyville. We both wondered why Sylvan had never been nominated before, and I remember saying, “Probably because nobody has ever given it any serious thought.”

Kevin thought now was as good a time as any and he and I both truly believed that Sylvan could be named Hockeyville even without the devastation of the arena. The collapse just brought it to the forefront and initiated the conversation.

“We both then began sharing stories of our years of growing up in the rink and working at the hockey camp … it was tough to share those stories and realize that no one else would ever be able to live out their own memories in that beautiful barn. It was after that conversation that things started rolling into motion.

“Once Kevin saw how quickly we needed to act, we both agreed that the nomination needed to take place and that’s when it began. He immediately started the social media account and we just began spreading the word as much as we could.”

The rest is history.

Jared Waldo and Kevin Putnam hold the Hockeyville Cup.

Way to go SYLVAN LAKE SENIORS CENTRE

Much more than you can imagine...

Lakers!

From the entire crew at

Are you looking for a place to learn, grow, socialize and exercise or share a favorite hobby with like-minded folk...Come check out the Sylvan Lake Seniors Centre 4908-50th Ave. Sylvan Lake. Open 9-4 daily.

Daily Programs to meet your social, emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual, and recreational needs to enhance your quality of life.

• New programs added constantly to meet changing needs • Bus Trips to Dinner Theatres and Events within Alberta • Special Events to celebrate holidays • Presentations by Guest Speakers regarding health and wellness issues • Services to help with Alberta Seniors Benefit and seniors health issues (ex. footcare) Community Bingo every Thursday night at 6:00 p.m.

For more information contact Maryan at 403-887-5428 or visit www.sylvanlake.ca/fcss/ seniors/seniors-support.html to view our monthly calendar and read our newsletter.

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Hockeyville

A couple of youngsters waited for the ‘people parade’ to wind its way into the downtown area during the final day of celebration April 5.

GETTING OUT THE VOTE!

Mayor Sean McIntyre was filmed by CBC for a video which ran on Hockey Night in Canada.

TWO SONGS WRITTEN FOR HOCKEYVILLE BID

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Two songs were written to support Sylvan Lake’s bid for the Kraft Hockeyville 2014 title.

One was recorded by West of the Fifth to the tune of Stompin’ Tom Connors Hockey Song. It debuted at the Peewee AA Lakers game Mar. 4. Their song is on YouTube under Sylvan Lake Hockeyville Song 2014 at http://goo.gl/yc0HkW The other was written by Flashback Freddie. He used an existing melody from 1968 by a band called the Cowsills and their song Indian Lake. You can listen to his song on YouTube under “Another Sylvan Lake Hockeyville Song” at http://goo.gl/qHFeXh Watch West of the Fifth’s video by scanning the QR code with your smartphone or tablet!

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Hockeyville Campaign Highlights CULLED FROM PAGES OF SYLVAN LAKE NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE17

Plans coming together for the final vote Once again the people of Sylvan Lake and all of their supporters are waiting in anticipation.

Wondering if their efforts were enough to catapult them into the Top 2 in the Kraft Hockeyville (krafthockeyville.ca) competition.

Sylvan Lake, was named to the Top 4 Saturday night.

For volunteers organizing the community’s campaign, it’s been another busy week. And planning is taking place to make sure the announcement this Saturday is suitably marked.

A Top 2 Reveal Party is taking place at the community centre Saturday featuring the local band West of the Fifth playing their Sylvan Lake Hockeyville song and a selection of other music through the evening. A huge screen will be erected so people can watch the hockey game and announcement.

The event is open to all ages and will include food and beverages.

Once voting opens for the final round a “Sudden Death Voting” contest is planned.

Encourage friends from surrounding communities who have been supporting Sylvan Lake to attend and enjoy the evening, encouraged Graham Parsons, chairperson of the local committee. … The past week, leading up to the ‘reveal’ of the Top 4, Sylvan’s volunteers were busy soliciting support across the country and in the region.

They attended Electric Garage’s Red Deer Collector Car Auction and Speed Show on the weekend as well as Red Deer Rebels and Bentley Generals games.

Working with Sylvan Lake’s community peace officers and firefighters, a checkstop was held on 47th Avenue for two and a half hours on Sunday.

The computer lab at École H. J. Cody High School was open for voting again last Saturday night. The lab was also kept busy Monday as students recorded their votes.

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THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

Another checkstop is being planned, provided Sylvan’s in the next round of voting.

For those who participated in the last checkstop, it was heartening to hear how many people had already embraced Sylvan Lake’s campaign and spent time voting that day. There were others who weren’t aware of the competition but were quite willing to get involved.

Businesses across the community have been involved, encouraging employees to vote, setting up voting stations and spreading the message that we need lots of votes, according to Parsons.

He’s been interviewed on radio and television stations in Edmonton and Calgary. Information was sent by committee members to radio on-air personalities across the province last Sunday and Monday.

An announcement also appears on the large Innisfail Chamber of Commerce electronic sign on Highway 2, capturing the attention of motorists heading both north and south.

As Parsons said before, a goal of this campaign is to strengthen community spirit and garner provincial and national publicity about our community. That’s certainly happening as voters log in from across the country.

- March 20, 2014

Hockeyville Top 2 announcement met with jubilation The room was electric with expectation as a crowd of about 500 people waited for the announcement which would send ripples of exaltation spreading across Sylvan Lake, Alberta and Canada.

The community centre was full to capacity with an avid group of people, young and old, who waited patiently for the end of the second period in Hockey Night in Canada’s Edmonton Oilers-Calgary Flames game as it tilted overwhelmingly in Calgary’s favour.

They were waiting to hear how Sylvan Lake fared in the Kraft Hockeyville competition to climb to Top 2 and begin the final round of voting.

As the period wound down, entertainment provided by West of the Fifth halted, the volume was turned up on the television program projected on a large screen, and everyone focused on the message they so anticipated.

Salmon Arm’s total was flashed first — 847,193 votes in the previous 48 hour voting session. Then Sylvan Lake flashed onto the screen and the numbers started spiralling higher and

higher. After they surpassed Salmon Arm’s total, the crowd erupted in screams of joy, hands flying overhead in victory, high five’s, hand shakes, hugs and other expressions of relief.

The town had captured the top spot in the west and moved into the Top 2 in the country. Sylvan Lake’s total stopped at 1,563,797 — almost double Salmon Arm’s total.

Then people turned back to the screen to see what happened in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The result — Kingston, Nova Scotia recorded 1,472,836 votes to capture the Eastern berth over Central Bedeque, PEI with 1,403,259 votes.

Sylvan led the whole country with the most votes.

The evening was truly a community and family affair with youngsters eagerly seated in front of the television screen when they weren’t playing floor hockey, dancing or chasing each other.

Food, entertainment, games, door prizes and more were enjoyed by people as they visited and talked about their previous voting experiences while eagerly waiting.

- March 27, 2014

Jumping for joy were a couple of jersey wearing youngsters at the community centre when it was announced Sylvan Lake beat Salmon Arm, BC to move to the Top 2 March 22.

STEVE DILLS

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Hockeyville committee planning for big announcement celebration Voting has ended in the great Hockeyville quest but the Spirit of Sylvan Hockeyville committee isn’t done yet.

They’re planning a spectacular celebration to coincide with announcement of the final winner on Saturday, Apr. 5.

Members of the committee met with representatives from Hockey Night In Canada and Kraft on Wednesday, showing them the community and discussing plans for the evening, which are still being formulated.

Several projects are underway.

A ‘people parade’ is being planned

by Brenda Dale. The Red Deer Royals will lead the ‘pied piper’ style parade where everybody will be encouraged to join in as it passes by.

Hockey teams from Central Alberta communities that have helped Sylvan since the arena roof collapsed will be invited to the parade and be recognized during the day.

A road hockey tournament is being organized by Darcy Rosie.

The multiplex will be the site of a huge celebration.

Several bands have been approached about providing entertainment during the evening’s festivities.

Large projection screens will be set up so people can watch Hockey Night In Canada that evening and see the Kraft Hockeyville announcement of the winner.

CBC TV crews will be in town to broadcast live during the day’s events and to portray the reaction when Sylvan Lakers learn the fate of their energy in the final voting round.

Another feature of the celebration is a decorating contest. All businesses are encouraged to decorate their storefronts and interiors, especially along the parade route, in the Hockeyville colours - red, white and blue with yellow accents.

Recognizing that there will be national television coverage, portraying our enthusiasm is one of the requests of the committee, said Parsons.

- March 27, 2014

Town supports Apr. 5 celebration The enthusiasm generated by Sylvan Lake being one of the final two communities in the Kraft Hockeyville contest seems to be unparalleled, but already plans are in the works for an even bigger celebration.

And, whether Sylvan Lake wins the coveted Hockeyville crown or comes in second, the Spirit of Sylvan Hockeyville committee that has proTRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

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“Hockeyville has touched every corner of this community. It is good to take this opportunity to partner with them (the committee). It has helped unite us as a community,” said Mayor Sean McIntyre. pelled the community ahead so far, has no intention of slowing down.

Following a presentation by committee member Steve Dills, council, at its March 24 meeting, unanimously agreed to support the committee to make this final celebration the best ever.

“I rise tonight to speak on behalf of the Spirit of Sylvan Hockeyville committee and say how proud we are of all our volunteers, all of our residents and our friends and supporters from coast-to-coast-to-coast who helped propel us into the top two in the Kraft Hockeyville competition,” said Dills.

Dills added the committee’s tasks are far from over.

“We’re now challenged to put on a spectacular celebration on Sat., April 5 in conjunction with the final announcement of Hockeyville 2014.”

During his presentation, which was followed by a round of applause from council and those in the gallery, Dills requested the town to partner with the committee.

“We’d like to use the multiplex for a massive demonstration of support — something that will also be broadcast live during Hockey Night in Canada that evening. We’re also planning a people parade.”

Council agreed to contribute $5,000 to the celebration as well as provide the use of the multiplex.

“Hockeyville has touched every corner of this community. It is good to take this opportunity to partner with them (the committee). It has helped unite us as a community,” said Mayor Sean McIntyre.

- March 27, 2014

Mayor Sean McIntyre glowed with pride as he held the cup aloft following the announcement that Sylvan Lake had captured the top prize in the Kraft Hockeyville competition April 5.

STEVE DILLS

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

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BY THE NUMBERS…

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Spurred by collapse of the roof at Sylvan Lake Arena on Jan. 20, Kevin Putnam and Jared Waldo nominated the multiplex for the Kraft Hockeyville 2014 title.

The first step was to get as many members and uploads as possible by the Feb. 9 deadline and hope the community proceeded to the Top 16 and several rounds of voting. An amazing feat to accomplish in 21 days when other communities had been working for months.

According to the website krafthockeyville.cbc.ca, Sylvan Lake had 2,092 members and 2,120 uploads between the time of their first nomination and the close of that portion of the competition.

The Kraft Hockeyville website had 12,920 members and 11,366 uploads from across Canada.

People read and responded with their own Sylvan stories, pictures and videos.

The top rated story, titled A Little Girl’s Dreams’ was liked by 142,387 people.

Another short story, ‘An Arena, A Legacy, A Memory’, is the second most viewed, at 33,348, while a picture of mist rising off the ice surface and the story ‘She was more’, by Kris Lindberg, was liked 30,869 times.

(Editor’s Note: Sorry we don’t have the names of the writers on the other stories as they don’t appear on the website. If you wrote them, let us know so we can properly give you credit.)

Well Sylvan Lake did it. Named one of the Top 16

- eight from the west and eight from the east.

That triggered a 48-hour period of voting. And the fingers of many people in Sylvan Lake, across Canada and even snowbirds worldwide, were kept busy typing the ever changing verification code and tallying votes for our entry.

Sylvan Lake lead the country in Top 16 voting to advance to Top 4, according to figures provided by contest organizers.

And devoted supporters helped Sylvan top the voting in each of the two subsequent rounds, advancing to Top 2 and then winner.

That first round of voting, Mar. 8-10, Sylvan Lake recorded 1,059,932 votes. Second place in the west was Salmon Arm, British Columbia at 436,451.

In the east Kingston, Nova Scotia was first at 824,208 and Central Bedeque, Prince Edward Island was second with 648,726.

Other western communities in the Top 16 were Swift Current, SK (218,000), Marysville, BC (210,989), Arborg, MB (186,631), St. Albert, AB (94,959), Bruderheim, AB (73,970), and Osoyoos (61,086).

Other eastern communities in the Top 16 were Richmond, ON (569,521), Prescott, ON (385,750), Exeter, ON (315,254), Amherst, NS (284,304), Beeton, ON (187,583) and Chicoutimi, PQ (118,536).

In the second round, Mar. 15-17, Sylvan Lake ad-

vanced after recording 1,563,797 votes while Salmon Arm had 847,193. In the east Kingston advanced with 1,472,836 votes over Central Bedeque with 1,403,259.

Voting in the final round began Mar. 22 and ended Mar. 24. But results weren’t announced until Apr. 5, to give the Top Two communities time to plan celebrations. When the final numbers were announced, over 2,000 people were in the multiplex watching the announcement on big screens. And their emotions were recorded when the numbers flashed across the screen, showing Sylvan Lake had won.

We garnered 2,558,137 votes, while Kingston received 2,449,973 votes.

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SYLVAN LAKE THE ULTIMATE WINNER

NAMED KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2014

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

With several thousand people watching big screens at the multiplex, the final announcement of the 2014 Kraft Hockeyville champion was made by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on April 5 prior to the Hockey Night in Canada games that evening.

Weeks of persistent voting and working tirelessly to raise awareness of their cause had finally paid off for residents of Sylvan Lake.

“For everyone who has supported us, for everyone who has been there for Sylvan Lake — whether you’ve been here for 100 years, or you moved here last week — with the deepest of our hearts, thank you so much,” said Mayor Sean McIntyre, shortly after the announcement. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Organizing committee chair Graham Parsons, after being interviewed in a live CBC broadcast, offered his own words of gratitude to those who helped the town earn its new Kraft Hockeyville 2014 moniker.

“This has been one incredible journey,” he said.

“You dedicated three weekends to this cause — thank yous can’t be enough.”

Sylvan Lake was victorious following 40 days of nominations, millions of votes and countless rally-

ing cries for support in coimmunities across Canada.

The prize — $100,000 in upgrades for the multiplex, the opportunity to host an NHL preseason game between the Calgary Flames and Phoenix Coyotes, and a visit from CBC. To mark the eighth season, Kraft Hockeyville was bigger than ever, awarding a total of $1 million in prizing to 16 different hockey loving communities from coast-to-coast.

“The passion Canada has, not only for its national sport, but for the communities across this great country is astounding,” said Jack Hewitt, vice-president, consumer insights and portfolio marketing, Kraft Canada. “Sixteen amazing communities now have the funds to upgrade their local rinks — and that means there are 16 rinks that will continue to be the heart of their communities.”

“The passion for hockey is passed from generation-to-generation, and the community rink plays an essential role in that special relationship,” said Bettman, in a news release. “Kraft Hockeyville is committed to keeping community rinks vibrant, ensuring the health of the game in communities large and small. The National Hockey League is thrilled to support and be a part of this wonderful program and

we, too, celebrate the communities that make hockey strong.”

The release stated, “Sylvan Lake embodies Alberta’s huge passion for hockey and community spirit in their quest for the Kraft Hockeyville title, gaining the support of the entire country that intensified after the roof of their beloved community rink collapsed on Jan. 20, 2014.

The community organized several events to get people voting, including road-side voting checkstops, a Kraft Dinner “Let Your Fun Out” party, and a rallying poem, read in the House of Commons (by MP Blaine Calkins), to raise further support of the community.

This year, a record-breaking total of 532 communities were nominated for the program, 16 of which moved on to the voting rounds. Across three voting rounds, an overwhelming 15,971,095 total votes were cast by Canadians, which narrowed the 16 deserving communities to one.

Watch the announcement and see the reaction of Sylvan Lakers at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4WV3wDGxvlA To keep abreast of plans for the days leading up to the game and the game itself, read the Sylvan Lake Hockeyville 2014 Facebook page.

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20 MONTH OLD FAN BECAME POSTER BOY FOR CAMPAIGN

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Just a day after the Sylvan Lake Hockeyville 2014 Facebook page was started, Kari Shaw posted a picture of her son, Pavel Evanyshyn, and his love of hockey. The post was #12 on the newly created page.

That triggered a chain reaction which saw him portrayed on posters and advertising around town, and on Innisfail Chamber of Commerce’s 13’ x 23’ LED electronic sign on Highway 2.

Here’s what Kari had to say when she posted the picture on Jan. 22nd.

“For Love Of The Game!!!! My 20 month old son watching a Sylvan Lake Hockey School scrimmage this summer. We knew no one on the ice but after our first trip inside the rink there was no walking past without going in to catch a game!!! I haven’t had a child in minor hockey as of yet but have spent time over the years watching friends and their children grow together on and off the ice. I hope my family will get to be a part of this tradition in the new arena. I am grateful for the memories in the old rink!!”

Explaining why Pav was chosen to be the poster

boy of the campaign e campaign, graphic design guru Dianne Womacks, who was also the campaign’s Facebook master, said, “for a 20 month old to be this excited about hockey, especially when no one else played, was very inspiring and fit in with the ‘hockey passion’ theme of Hockeyville. His pose, his eyes, his face, just say Go Sylvan Go. I just saw him right away moving into posters, etc.

“Also from the design perspective, people love kids and eyes.”

The Facebook page and her posts three times a day quickly became an integral part of the campaign.

In just 48 hours, Womacks said there were 2,989 page likes. A week later that number climbed to 4,130 and at the end of the initial nomination round, the total was 5,181.

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WHO’S WHO ON SYLVAN’S HOCKEYVILLE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

When Graham Parsons heard from Kevin Putnam he’d nominated Sylvan Lake’s multiplex for the Kraft Hockeyville 2014 contest, they realized a lot of work was going to be necessary to win the honour.

Parsons quickly turned to stalwarts of the Spirit of Sylvan Yuletide Festival committee which he also chairs.

Many of them became members of the core group behind Sylvan’s Hockeyville bid. They met regularly at the Legion to plan events, and keep momentum moving, since they’d wrapped up the previous festival.

Karen Van Meer and Kelly Edgecombe provided valuable momentum and behind the scenes work to keep the group going.

Dianne Womacks, a recruit to the most recent festival, jumped in with both feet to manage the Facebook page, providing three time a day updates. A graphic designer by training, she also developed the artwork which became posters, advertisements and billboards.

Other Yuletide members who jump on board included Sean McIntyre, Dale Plante and Steve Dills.

Darcy Rosie’s first foray with the committee was to organize the ‘tribute’ picture behind the arena.

Megan Chernoff and Steve Rowe shared duties rounding up and keeping track of volunteers.

Jared Waldo, involved from the beginning, worked on media relations, spreading Sylvan’s story, as well as acting as MC at the final ‘reveal’ celebration.

Asked by representatives from the NHL, NHLPA, Kraft and Mosaic, partners in the competition, what committee members did, most replied, “whatever Graham asked”.

Many others had many jobs throughout the 10 week roller coaster. Among them were Jas Payne, Jodi Johanson, Kris Lindberg, Jordan Sinclair, Brenda Dale, Melissa Gyonyor, Dallas Hand, and Kevin Putnam.

Then most got gang pressed to continue their involvement and plan for the four-day festival that concludes with the pre-season NHL game on Sept. 24.

If you’re interested in getting involved, there are lots of volunteer opportunities. Contact Megan Chernoff at megan.chernoff@gmail.com or 403-396-2793.

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Following the collapse of the roof on Sylvan Lake’s arena, an outpouring of support spread the message through the Kraft Hockeyville contest as Sylvan Lakers and their friends united to try and win the grand prize. Among the many hundreds and hundreds of stories submitted in the initial round of the contest, this one was chosen as the winning story.

It was written by Dianne Womacks who became the guru of the Facebook page which three times a day encouraged more participation from supporters of Sylvan Lake which eventually led to the community being crowned Kraft Hockeyville 2014.

R.I.P. “GRAND LADY”, YOU DESERVE IT!

BY DIANNE WOMACKS

Tragedy brings communities together. Tragedy brings stories and memories.

Tragedy boasts love and pride for years of friendships and relationships.

Tragedy struck the town of Sylvan Lake, AB, in the early hours of Monday, January 20, 2014.

No, the tragedy wasn’t disastrous to thousands of homes and lives like the June floods in Alberta of 2013.

No, the tragedy didn’t bring fires that wiped out subdivisions such as the Slave Lake fires of 2011.

Instead, this tragedy struck at the core of the community, the heart’s of it’s people, young and old, male and female.

Residents’ hearts were broken. Shaken to the core. Crying buckets of tears, both genders.

Sylvan Lake residents awoke to the news Monday morning that their beloved “Old Barn”, “Old Girl”, “Grand Lady”, had fallen to it’s knees. The hockey arena had collapsed in the night. It’s lone occupant was saved as he scurried to tuck even further under the steering wheel of the Zamboni he had been operating to resurface

the ice. The roof was falling in on him.

The news travelled like wildfire.

People stopped what they were doing.

Shocked. In disbelief. Hearts were racing. Hands were shaking. Hard to breathe.

Their “home” was gone.

For 40 years, generations gravitated to the arena. To play hockey, watch their children, their grandchildren. Or, just to visit with good friends. For 40 years, people played hard, and laughed hard.

No, I wasn’t born in Sylvan Lake. Nor did I grow up here. Nor did I have my children here.

But I did grow up in a hockey town, living at the rink. And, I married into hockey.

Nothing is more exciting than watching the kids, and now my grandkids, hustling and bustling, trying to find their feet on the ice. Nothing is more exciting than watching them grow into the game, wanting to be the next big hockey name. Hockey gets into your blood, and there it stays!

There’s no shaking it!

I’ve spent some time in the “Old Barn”, as some so fondly called it. The sense of history, and good times, was clearly evident in its memorabilia that hung on its walls.

Offering a sense of belonging, the “Old Girl” gave of herself, over and over, as families and friendships gathered, year after year.

But, the “Grand Lady” was so, so much more. She was indeed home. She was life.

She was love.

And, as she rests her weary bones, may she look down upon the birth of another rising star. May she shed her light and her love upon our new arena. May she teach her to give as much as she did. Guide her to become the welcoming heart of ‘home’ and the gathering of friends and families.

The memories, the stories, the love that the community has shared, has been amazing! It’s been unbelievable! Was it really just a ‘building’?

In the meantime, awaiting the new birth, people will grieve. People will be lost. Their lives in turmoil.

Please, help us bring the “heart” back into our community, bring our families back together, build new memories, new stories.

We’ll say goodbye to our “Grand Lady” for now. Her memories, and her stories, will be told for generations to come.

RIP, you deserve it!

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Hearts with the message “The Heart of Hockeyville is Here!� were added to the fence around the collapsed arena April 5 as part of Kraft Hockeyville celebrations. Personal messages were added to many of them.

STEVE DILLS

The Hockeyville ‘people parade’ steadily grew in size as it made its way from Centennial Park to the multiplex April 5.

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Peter Puck, mascot of Hockey Night in Canada, joined the ‘people parade’ which walked through downtown Sylvan Lake on the way to the big celebration at the multiplex April 5.

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I OWE IT ALL TO THOSE FIRST DAYS ON THAT SHEET OF ICE

I WAS 11 YEARS OLD AND THE SKATES WERE WHITE

BY JOSHUA BINDON SPECIAL TO SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Last night’s performance of Feld Entertainment’s Disney on Ice Presents Treasure Trove drew the biggest and the loudest crowd we’ve had so far during our two week engagement in Seoul, South Korea. Families from all around came, watched, cheered and cried for more as their favourite characters from their favourite stories took to the ice for the two hour skating spectacular. Feeling good as I left the ice after the final beat of music, I retired to the locker room to free my barking dogs, change and head home only to return less then 12 hours later and do it all again.

I arrived at the hotel like any other night; showered, ate dinner and hopped online to catch up with family and friends. I was excited about a coming tour date that landed me close to home for the first time in 13 years and so I started to contact old skating family about the show coming close to home. That’s when I heard the news that the roof of Sylvan Lake Arena, a landmark in the tiny town of Central Alberta, had collapsed. My heart broke.

I was 11 years old and the skates were white. The smell of the shoe polish was so strong in the house and I don’t think Dad’s hands were ever the same again but he worked on them all night until the last bit of white leather was a mere tracing left by a single edge. They were all mine and I was about to begin a relationship that you can’t know or explain, you just feel it when steel and ice shake hands for the first time.

The buzzer went off at 4:30 a.m.

The deal was I was allowed to skate but my parents would never wake me up to do so. As quietly as a very excited budding athlete could be, I dressed, I ate and I put the kettle on for the hot chocolate that could have very well saved my father’s and my life each and every Wednesday and Friday morning.

With about 30 minutes until departure, I woke Dad and together we braved the 5:30 a.m. cold and walked to Sylvan Lake Arena.

We were always the first to arrive and we prayed that Graham Parsons (with chocolate milk and newspaper in tow) was on a similar schedule because it was Alberta cold outside and he had the keys. I would struggle tying my skates and Dad would never help me. He just sat on those window side seats and told me that my hands would never get strong if I didn’t do it myself.

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THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

So I would race myself to see how fast I could pass the lace through the eyelets and how much extra ice time I could grab before anyone else got there.

We started with figures and to an 11 year old it was the equivalent of watching paint dry. Two or three simple circles and for an hour a day, you traced their patterns using different edges, turns and sustained positions trying to unlock the secret that is skating. On average I grabbed 15 minutes of extra time each morning.

With no one else, dim lights, me, my skates and the not so subtle buzz of the giant score board, I began. By 6 a.m. the session officially started. By 9 a.m. we had done an hour of patch, an hour of dance and an hour of my favourite, freeskate.

These were my first days as a figure skater. That Sylvan Lake Arena was my second home where my family lived and where my career got its first breath of life. I tried and landed my first axle there along with the rest of my jumps. I got dizzy from my very first spins. I collected a wealth of bumps, bruises and the scar on the underside of my chin from a “toe pick” incident.

The sheet of ice at Sylvan Lake Arena was the only place where I was free.

That arena was where I learned how to live and it was where I zambonied my path that would lead to my career on the world stage in professional figure skating.

It’s been 13 years in over 25 countries performing thousands of shows in countless cities for millions of people and I owe it all to my first sheet of ice of that arena in Sylvan Lake. Our stories of our winter sports are what it means to be Canadian and hockey is always the hero. I didn’t grow up slapping a puck around or playing on a team. I did however, like most Canadians, lace up and step on the ice. I felt that effortless glide. I felt that speed.

I breathed the cold air. I lived for the ice and gave it everything it gave me.

A sheet of ice is only as the special as the community it builds. Sylvan Lake Arena was known for its world renowned hockey camp in the summer and its countless hockey teams but it was more than that. That arena was home to ringette teams, to Sylvan

Lake Cub Scout chapter, Sylvan Lake Precision Skating team and of course Sylvan Lake Figure Skating Club. That arena was a place where people met for coffee, where they watched their children grow and lived vicariously through them, where I honed my craft and where I found what it is to be a Canadian athlete.

Without those first years on the ice at Sylvan Lake I would never have travelled the road through my nationally competitive career arriving under the bright lights and the world stage with Disney On

“That Sylvan Lake Arena was my second home where my family lived and where my career got its first breath of life.”

Ice. That arena, that rink, that plain old sheet of ice brought me together with a friend (skating) I’ll never leave behind. I cherish the opportunity I have now to bring families closer together than ever through each step in each performance and I owe it all to that Old Barn and the dedication of my family and my family I met there.

The building may be gone but Sylvan Lake Arena will never disappear. I know this because every time I lace up for a practice, a rehearsal or a show, I look down and I see those old white skates, 5:45 a.m. on the clock, Mom and Dad sitting next to me on those rink side benches, and I know that I’m going to be faster tying those skates than I was last time.

Josh Bindon is now a Disney on Ice skater.

- January 30, 2014

Performing with his partner Anne Shellum of the USA, is Josh Bindon as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, while on the show Worlds of Fantasy.

TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

Story

The Future

ARCHITECT NOW WORKING ON DETAILED DESIGN OF MULTIPLEX REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

Planning for a new multiplex began in 2012, when an independent Community Complex Feasibility Study concluded the old arena likely couldn’t be sustained beyond 2016.

People from across the community met to find a solution to this problem, realizing that with a creative approach, a number of facility issues could be addressed at the same time, according to an overview for the NexSource Centre multiplex redevelopment project.

Through months of work, the group examined various components that could be included in the new facility. Then a concept plan was created.

A select group of about 35 movers and shakers in Sylvan Lake viewed the initial artistic renderings in December as plans were announced for the fundraising initiative.

During that event, Blair Mack, chairperson of the Multiplex Redevelopment Task Force spoke about amenities to be included in the building.

“More than just a hockey rink, over the past five months, the multiplex redevelopment concept has transformed to include a seniors’ centre that our community seniors can be proud of, a civic centre where a variety of large scale events can be held, a walking and running track, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and multipurpose rooms we continue to develop to fit the needs of various community and business groups.”

“Things like weddings, trade shows, banquets, fundraisers, conferences, performing arts, after school programming, children’s play spaces and free TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

Story

Town officials, members of Sylvan Lake Multiplex Redevelopment Fundraising Committee, and NexSource Power Inc. employees and their families gathered to celebrate the announcement of NexSource’s $500,000 naming rights sponsorship of the future redeveloped multiplex April 4, 2014. As a result of the sponsorship, the new complex will be named Sylvan Lake NexSource Centre.

STUART FULLARTON

range parenting spaces, a professional grade kitchen and affordable meeting rooms.”

Mack said, “Our goal is to create an all season community focal point, naturally situated close to one of our greatest assets, the lake.

The building will be “an important building block to the community moving forward,” Mack concluded.

At that time replacement of the curling rink was going to be a separate project. Then in January, a portion of the roof of the old arena collapsed. And during a February meeting, councillors agreed to incorporate a five sheet curling rink.

In mid April, councillors awarded a contract for architectural services to CEI Architecture of Vancouver, in an amount not to exceed $1.3 million.

Their work will include all architectural services required to building or facility completion, said the town’s project manager, David Yee. A three-day design charrette took place May 2628 for user groups, stakeholders and town representatives.

Yee said during the Apr. 14 council meeting that process was “to really define the project, drill down

what we want in it. It’s important to nail down what the needs are, what the wants are.”

Once that’s complete residents and taxpayers will be asked for their input.

Detailed design will continue through the summer and fall with cost estimates to council in November and tendering before the end of the year.

Components which will be integrated to create “an exciting and dynamic hub of activity” include a civic events centre for performances, banquets and conferences, a revitalized arena and the addition of a new ice surface, a curling rink with five sheets of ice, an upstairs lounge area for social gathering, children and youth activity areas, dedicated space for seniors’ programs, multipurpose rooms and spaces for a variety of uses and a four-lane running or walking track, according to the project overview.

The Multiplex Redevelopment Task Force includes chairman Blair Mack, members Greg Broks, Kerry Burgar, Cloe Lester, Daryl Pickering, Jon Salsbury, Shelly Suggett, Bruce Cartwright, Kari-Anne Weller, and council representatives Mayor Sean McIntyre and Councillor Matt Prete.

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

31

$2 MILLION THE GOAL

BY STEVE DILLS SYLVAN LAKE NEWS

While the multiplex redevelopment project has changed in scope since planning began, the fundraising committee’s goal of raising $2 million hasn’t changed.

“We have a varied campaign focusing a lot on naming rights and sponsorship opportunities for local businesses,” said co-chair Amy Komarniski.

There’s a huge community piece to the campaign, as well, added co-chair Deb Garritty. “We’re expecting lots of personal donations.”

And they’ve made it easy to contribute. The town will accept one time donations, or donations in either monthly or annual instalments by cheque, credit card, paypal or automatic bank withdrawal. Charitable donation receipts are available.

The first major donation came from NexSource Power Inc. in April.

The company contributed $500,000 and as a result the new complex will be named Sylvan Lake NexSource Centre.

ATB also contributed $15,000 to the project. Recently Best Body Fitness added $2,000 after the business donated $1 for every calorie burned around Valentine’s Day. Booster Juice has an ongoing campaign during which they’re donating 10 per cent of sales every Wednesday from Mar. 26 to Sept.

30. Their first cheque presentation was for over $900.

“We are starting to see a lot of momentum here at a community level,” said Komarniski, following the Best Body Fitness donation. “This latest donation, is yet another local organization doing what they can do to get this project on the go.”

“We want groups to know they can contact us if they’re hosting an event or fundraiser so we can help advertise for them, help give recognition to their sponsors,” she added. You may email NexSourceCentre@sylvanlake.ca The committee has set up both a website and Facebook page under the NexSource Centre name. (www.NexSourceCentre.ca or www.facebook.com/ NexSourceCentre). Refer to those for ongoing information, Komarniski said.

The committee is now seeing the fruits of a lot of background work done since members were appointed in April 2013. Prior to that terms of reference for the committee had been established by council in January.

In July the town awarded a contract for a professional fundraiser to support and train local volunteers and committee members. KCI was hired to

32

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

provide fundraising consulting services at a maximum cost of $55,000.

At that meeting, Councillor Dale Plante, a committee member, explained the consultant would “open a sphere of influence for us. They train us as volunteers. Define the project in terms of what we’re able to do, tell us, here’s what you have to sell, how to go about it, how to engage the community, how to engage the corporate community. It would be our committee that’s responsible for landing the fish.”

A select group of about 35 movers and shakers in Sylvan Lake viewed the initial artistic renderings in December as plans were announced for the fundraising initiative.

Since then the roof of the arena collapsed and the project has evolved to include the curling rink which was going to be a separate project.

Another step in the fundraising plan was accomplished in February when council approved a sponsorship opportunity list which gives benefactors the chance to see their name somewhere in the facility, depending on the amount they wish to spend. A professionally developed package of information is now available and provides current information about the project.

Komarniski said one of the committee’s current goals is to “educate the community about the subtle and important differences between what we are and what the Hockeyville committee is.”

Hockeyville is in the celebration phase now and may need some money for events planned around the pre-season NHL game on Sept. 24.

But, “at the end of the day we’re all going to benefit from the larger project. We want to build a new facility and celebrate that we are Kraft Hockeyville”.

Graham Parsons indicated the Hockeyville committee is working in co-operation with the fundraisers. Part of their efforts during the community celebration are planned to raise money for the multiplex redevelopment complex. More details will be released closer to the September festival.

Members of the Multiplex Redevelopment Fundraising Committee include co-chairs Amy Komarniski and Deb Garritty, members Don McKenzie, Blair Mack, Louise Traverse, Lorie Johanson and Joyce Thrush and council representatives Mayor Sean McIntyre and Councillor Dale Plante.

If you’d like to volunteer to assist, contact Amy Kormaniski (403-596-1355) or Deb Garritty (403-304-7422).

Sylvan Wins!

There are great things done under Albertan sun When people stand together In support of a town whose Arena came down In the worst of winter’s weather.

The Sylvan Lake Lights have seen queer sites But the queerest they ever did see Was that that night on the street when Lakers did meet For a photo in minus 40 degrees.

Now this tale that I weave, most wouldn’t believe If you’d asked them a few weeks ago But opportunity knocked, Sylvan volunteers rocked When Kraft provided some hope Those who played in this game, I’ll call them by name For victory belongs to them They gave it their all, no task was too small And if I’ve missed any, please forgive Here’s to Parsons and Rosie, who worked for the trophy Along with his lovely wife Kim Brenda Dale, Jared Waldo were easy to follow What was started by Kevin Putnam Jas, Kelly and Kris, also took part in this Dale and Crystal, well they never tired Nor did Diane, Megan, Steve, and the one in the lead Inexhaustible Mayor MacIntyre For those who work in the news, and give us their views I give credit where credit is due You provided air time, never charging a dime Unto you goes a worthy salute The Sylvan Lake Lights have seen many great sights But the greatest that they ever will Was that Saturday night, amidst cheer and delight Sylvan Lake won Kraft Hockeyville!!!

BLAINE CALKINS, MP

Scan the QR Code to watch the video on Youtube!

(Wetaskiwin)

1-800-665-0865 www.blainecalkinsmp.ca TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH - Our

Story

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Play makes us stronger, happier, more creative, more tenacious.

As individuals.

As communities.

As a country.

Whether playing hockey, cheering our Olympians or taking our kids to the park, we all play for something bigger than ourselves.

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Visit your Sylvan Lake and Red Deer Canadian Tire stores – Proud supporters of play in our community.

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