A History of Ice Sports in Lloydminster

A History of Ice Sports IN LLOYDMINSTER

A History of Hockey in Lloydminster © 2026 City of Lloydminster All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Published in Canada by City of Lloydminster 4420 50 Avenue, Lloydminster Lloydminster, Alberta/Saskatchewan, Canada T9V 0W2 Printed and bound in Canada Design and layout by Graeme J. Friesen, Ironjet Promotions Inc. Cover design by Graeme J. Friesen, featuring the Centennial Civic Centre logo (City of Lloydminster) and archival photographs.

Copy and images supplied by the City of Lloydminster.

Photographs courtesy of City of Lloydminster Archives and various contributors. Used with permission.

First edition 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

THANK YOU Lloydminster Source, Lloydminster Meridian Booster, Lloydminster Regional Archives, Bordering on Greatness: A History of Lloydminster's First Century by Franklin Lloyd Foster and Alan Griffith. Published by Foster Learning Inc., 2001. , 75 Years of Sport & Culture in Lloydminster by The Lloydminster History of Recreation and Cultural Activities Committee, City of Lloydminster and to our community.

Canvas Texture: "55" by jennyw47, available at commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:55_-Flickr-_jennyw47.jpg, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

Foreword from the Mayor of Lloydminster As mayor of Lloydminster, it is both an honour and a heartfelt privilege to offer these words in reflection of a landmark that has stood at the very heart of our community for generations—the Centennial Civic Centre.

Since its opening, the Civic Centre has been far more than a building. It has been a unifying space—a place where people came not only to cheer and celebrate but to connect. Whether it was the thunder of blades on ice, the excitement of the circus, or the heartwarming joy of a wedding, this building has witnessed the moments that bring people together.

And uniquely, it brought together more than just a city. Straddling the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Lloydminster has always been a bridge between regions—and the Civic Centre became one of its strongest pillars. It welcomed visitors from across both provinces, helping shape a shared identity rooted in collaboration, community spirit, and pride.

Importantly, it also served as a place of connection with our neighbouring Indigenous communities. Over the years, the Civic Centre hosted cultural celebrations, powwows, and events that fostered dialogue, understanding, and friendship. In that way, it became more than a venue; it became a gathering ground for reconciliation and respect.

As we say farewell to the Centennial Civic Centre, we do so with deep gratitude for the memories it holds, the lives it touched, and the bridges it helped build. This memory book is a tribute to its enduring legacy and a reminder that while the walls may no longer stand, the spirit of what was built here will live on in the stories we share.

On behalf of City Council and the people of Lloydminster, thank you to all who filled this space with life, love, and laughter. May we continue to carry forward its legacy together.

With deepest appreciation,

Gerald S. Aalbers

Mayor, City of Lloydminster

1910

1910 saw hockey teams chosen by Lloydminster businessmen, and line-ups were posted in the windows of local businesses.

During the early years, travel o en presented a problem. Cars did not have heaters, closed glass windows, or antifreeze, and most people didn't run their cars in the winter. To start a car, one would have to drain the radiator and refill it with hot water, drain the oil and heat it up, or build a fire under the vehicle to heat it up.

O en, you shoveled your way through a road buried in snow and then shoveled the ice surface before being able to play.

1908

The first covered rink was built in 1907 but burned down in 1908. Outdoor rinks were used for the next 20 years.

In 1908 the Eastern Alberta Hockey League was formed with teams from Lloydminster, Kitscoty, Vermilion, and Islay.

Figure Skating

What first originated as "fancy skating," figure skating was seen mainly at winter carnivals as entertainment in the early Barr Colonist days.

1912

ARCHIE MILLER November 13, 1896 - April 10, 1978 A passionate outdoorsman and hockey enthusiast, Miller played, coached, and refereed hockey games in Lloydminster for decades. He could also be seen regularly in the timekeeper's box, a bench he warmed for nearly 25 years.

In the mid-twenties, J.A. (Archie) Miller became known for being exceptional on skates. He taught young skaters into the 40's.

When he died in 1978, more than 1400 people filled the Civic Centre, paying homage to their dependable and jovial friend who had given so much to so many.

1928

The next covered arena opened in 1928, thanks to the Elks Lodge, who formed the Arena Company. This company organized the funding and development of the facility.

Since no grants were available, the arena had to be financed through the community dances, whist drives, and other community initiatives that were held to aid the "Arena Fund." 1000 shares were sold at $10 each, and the rest was supplemented with a mortgage.

The rink was to be officially opened January 12, 1928. During the official opening, the civic band was to be in attendance and speeches made, free skating was available for everyone, and the ice surface would be crowded to overflowing with supporters.

There were so many children who were thoroughly enjoying their first skate under the shelter of a roof that the opening ceremony was dispensed with, rather than try to clear the ice!

1923

World War I le the community with few players. Exhibition games were played, but no organized leagues existed until 1923, when the Western Saskatchewan Hockey League was formed with teams from Lloydminster, Lashburn, and Maidstone.

Clarence Campbell, who later became the president of the NHL for over 35 years, was one of the dedicated reffing officials within Lloydminster during this time.

1929

Lloydminster Elks won the Alberta Intermediate A Championships for two consecutive years (1929-1930).

1934

During the night on December 22, 1934, the second covered arena was totally destroyed by fire, a $13,000 loss and only covered with $7,000 insurance. Due to outstanding community support, the arena was fully rebuilt 6 weeks later.

Lloydminster Prolites The Lloydminster Prolites consisted of 7 players—one “rover.” Following the fire, which took all of their equipment, the team remarkably rallied to win the Craig Cup against Vegreville in triple overtime. Over the next several years, the team went on to win the Saskatchewan Intermediate "A"

Championships, the Craig Cup, second place in Alberta, and second place in the Saskatchewan Intermediate "A" Provincials.

The Prolites represent an important chapter in Lloydminsterʼs early hockey history, playing in a rugged, pioneering era when rules like body checking were newly introduced and local teams had to overcome fires, equipment shortages, and evolving league structure.

JACK "NEWSY" LESWICK, January 1, 1910 – August 7, 1934 Leswick died at the age of 24 a er playing only one season with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1934, where they claimed the Stanley Cup Championship.

1940

In the 1940's, organization for lower age level hockey began through the public schools. Walter Peterson, Al Dornstauder, Mo Price, and Alf Lampitt all gave their time generously. School teams were named a er NHL teams: Canadiennes, Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Maroons.

Principal Chester Avery and caretaker Martin Brown made a league trophy, "The Stanley Cup." For the students, it was as respected and sought a er as the real thing!

Moe Price and Alf Lampitt (teachers) were the force behind the organization of teams in public school hockey. Archie Miller and Russ Robertson would take the kids to out-of-town games.

1942

SPENCE TATCHELL, July 16, 1924 – January 8, 2007 During the 1942-43 season, he played one game with the New York Rangers.

During the 1943-44 season, Tatchell played with the Cornwallis Navy. On January 12, 1944, the New York Rangers traded Tatchell to the Montreal Canadiens. Tatchell spent the following year in military service and did not play in another NHL game.

1950’s

1940’s & 1950’s

Julius Beer and Bertha (Dilling) Dubyk were two of the founders of the Lloydminster Figure Skating Club in the 1950s.

Lloydminster Jets were formed in the 1950s.

Bertha Dubyk remembers, "Though the hours were sometimes at 10:00 p.m. at night, we took advantage of it, with thankfulness for those caretakers who stayed late to accommodate us. You realize at this time we had no one who was a professional skater, and the order of the day was to help one another."

BOB HASSARD, March 26, 1929-December 30, 2010 Hassard won the Stanley Cup in 1951 with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

1951

1953

Lloydminster Huskies formed in 1953.

1954

LARRY LEACH, June 18, 1936 – May 8, 2018 Leach spent 18 years with the WHL, American Hockey League, and played with the Boston Bruins in the NHL from 1954 to 1960.

As a noteworthy sports figure in the field of hockey, Lloydminsterʼs Larry Leach moved to Humbolt in 1953 where his hockey career began in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Humboldt was affiliated with the NHLʼs Boston Bruins at the time. It was a common practice throughout Canada that junior clubs were affiliated with NHL teams.

A er three years playing in a tough, competitive junior league, Larry turned professional with the Victoria Cougars in 1956. This was also a Boston farm team, a member of the Western Hockey League.

Due to the humidity in Victoria, Larry recalled, “We loved to get out on the Prairieʼs fast ice and the great ride through the Rockies by train.” A Pullman car was the teamʼs home for the entire Prairie swing of Edmonton, Calgary, Brandon, and Winnipeg. Following two seasons, the Boston franchise shi ed to Providence, RI, where Larry spent four seasons.

In between those years he played in Boston and Portland, Oregon, as well as back in Providence.

A er three years in Providence, Leach moved to Portland, Oregon where he finished the last nine years of his career. The teamʼs records were the best in all of professional hockey, with the most wins and the most first-place finishes. The NHL clubs in preseason exhibition games never defeated them.

A er three years of junior, eighteen professional seasons, a few years of coaching junior and intermediate hockey in Lloydminster, and twenty years of playing “old-timer hockey” with the world-famous “Neversweats,” Larry is well qualified to sum up the “great game” as follows:

“Skill, devotion, pride, and bravery spell the word HOCKEY; it is truly the game to last and is now international in scope.

So be proud of Canada and the privilege to participate at whatever level in the ʻgreatest sport on earth,ʼ our game, hockey.”

1955

Lloydminster Jets became Lloydminster Chevies.

1957

BOB JACK SR. Bob loved the game of hockey and became a referee in 1957. His knowledge of the game was passed on with pride, especially when youth were involved. Bob was an extremely competent and popular referee and coach. Jim Davidson and Bob formed the Legion girl's hockey team and led them to many championships during their eleven years of coaching.

The Lions Club honored Jack with the "Citizen of the Year" award, and he was named "Sportsman of the Year" by the Kinsmen.

1960s

Skaters had ice time from 6 to 8 in the morning. O en they were stopped by the police, wondering what they were doing wandering around town at that time in the cold dark morning.

1962

The Lloydminster Border Kings were formed.

1963

In 1963 Gail Holt, training under Mrs. Asleson, won the Juvenile Ladies Championship at 11 years old.

1964

Centennial Civic Centre The contract for the construction of the Centennial Civic Centre was awarded to Buchanan Construction Limited of Edmonton on October 26, 1964. The Civic Centre Committee of Alderman Shortell, Alderman Larsen, and Mayor Hudson have been working with the low bidder to reduce the cost. The council and committee did not intend for the mezzanine floor to be finished

and included in the original cost of the building. By deleting this separate portion of the contract and modifying other items, the overall size of the arena and seating capacity have been maintained, and the contractor agreed to proceed immediately for the sum of $400,000. To finance the Centennial Civic Centre, the Council issued debentures in the sum of $350,000.00 as approved by ratepayers on April 29, 1964. Additional funds were made available by way of Winter Works grants and from the city reserve fund.

1966

Archie Miller Arena was opened in 1966, named a er a man who loved hockey.

This was the first arena construction since the covered arena was rebuilt a er the fire in 1935. The arch-rib arena is still in operation today. Generations of hockey players have grown up at the "Archie."

The city struck a deal with the Lloydminster Co-op; the Co-op would supply the lumber to build a new arena in exchange for the old arena location.

BARRY GIBBS, September 28, 1948 Gibbs played 796 NHL games a er being dra ed first overall in the 1966 NHL amateur dra . Throughout his career he played for the Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, Atlanta Flames, St. Louis Blues, and Los Angeles Kings. He retired in 1981.

Gibbs was named Lloydminster Athlete of the Year 1973.

HAROLD MYERS, July 28, 1947 Myers played for the Edmonton Oil Kings for four years and took home the Memorial Cup in 1966. He played in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres and the Salt Lake City Golden Bears during the 1970-71 season.

1967

The Centennial Civic Centre was opened for the first season.

This beloved arena was home to the Lancers (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League), Blazers (Alberta Junior Hockey League), BW Rig Generals, the Lloydminster Saskatchewan Sr. AAA Border Kings (Chinook Hockey League), the Lloydminster Jr. B Bandits (North Eastern Alberta Jr. B Hockey League), Bobcats (Alberta Junior Hockey League), and the Lloydminster Figure Skating Club.

City Council was instrumental in bringing the Centennial Civic Centre to fruition.

Time was spent travelling and inspecting other arenas. As a result, the Lloydminster Civic Centre was regarded as one of the "Best in the West.”

The Arena Association invited Bobby Hull and his wife, Joanne, to lead the Lloydminster Exhibition Parade. Mr. Hull opened the exhibition and gave a scoring demonstration and skated with Barry Gibbs, who had just been dra ed to the Boston Bruins.

Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association

In 1967 the Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association was formed.

Al Dornstauder was instrumental in the beginning.

1970

Torrie Hougham learned to skate when her family moved to Lloydminster from California in 1966. She trained with Noelle Aleson. Hougham's career with the Ice Follies started in 1970 and included performances in Las Vegas, on television shows, and performances with Diana Ross, Paul Anka, Petula Clark, Anthony Newley, Joey Heatherton, Kenny Rogers, and Donny and Marie Osmond.

1972

Centennial Civic Centre Auditorium Project

The Kinsmen Club of Lloydminster led the project to finish the incomplete hall area on the second floor.

1968

SKIP KRAKE In 1963 Skip was dra ed to the Boston Bruins. In 1968 he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings for a first-round dra choice that was used to claim high-scoring wingers Reggie Leach. He then moved to the Buffalo Sabres in 1970 and completed his career as an Edmonton Oiler in 1976.

At the time of construction in 1964, it was determined—due to inflating costs—to finish the auditorium at another time.

Through the Kinsmen Club's efforts and support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the City of Lloydminster, and the Kinsmen Club of Lloydminster, the Civic Centre Auditorium was finally finished in 1972.

1973

MAYOR RUSSELL (RUSS) ROBERTSON September 14, 1904 - August 1, 1981 Russ Robertson served the City of Lloydminster as a councillor from 1951 to 1958 and as mayor from 1973 to 1978.

Robertson was instrumental in bringing a local television station, starting the $48 Million sewer and water treatment system and was an avid youth hockey coach.

In 1976, the Russ Robertson Arena was named to commemorate his civic contributions.

MAYOR BILL KONDRO September 23. 1938- March 2, 2021 As a sport enthusiast, Bill has contributed both in the past and present to the sporting community of Lloydminster, acting as past chairman of the fundraising and construction committee for the Communiplex and Russ Robertson Arena from 1973 to 1978 and as past director in

both Junior A and Minor Hockey. Bill has also served in the community as a past member of both the Lloydminster Public Library Board and the Dr. Cooke Extended Care & Auxiliary Hospital.

LYLE BRADLEY July 31, 1943 - August 12, 2022 Won Most Valuable Player and Leading Scorer awards in the Western Hockey League in 1973-74. Bradley was called up to the California Golden Seals for four games and played 2 games for the Cleveland Barons. He retired in 1978.

ALFRED JOHN (JR) ROGERS Growing up in Frenchman Butte, JR spent his youth playing hockey in the Lloydminster area, he became the third choice of the Minnesota North Stars in 1973.

He later had the opportunity to play for the Edmonton Oilers in the World Hockey Association in 1975 to 1976.

1976

Russ Robertson Arena was opened in 1976.

The Lloydminster Broomball Association was going strong, as well as the Lloydminster Ringette Association, which was finding its mark.

BLAIR CHAPMAN, June 13, 1956 Blair was dra ed number one overall in the 1976 WHA Amateur dra by the Edmonton Oilers and also number two overall in the 1976 NHL Amateur dra by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Civic Centre

Shirley Davies: "1976 was a summer to remember—or try to forget! Hot weather made it difficult for the Civic Centre to keep ice, so the skaters were forced to work the graveyard shi : 11:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. the next day. You could come to the rink at any hour of the night and find skaters and pros on the ice. Other skaters were curled up in sleeping bags in the dressing rooms trying to catch 40 winks before their next patch. It was either skate these hours when there was ice or don't skate at all. Everyone made the best of an intolerable situation.”

1979

JOHN PAUL “JP” KELLY John grew up on a farm just outside of Lloydminster. He played minor hockey in the Lloydminster system and one year of Midget hockey in Marwayne before playing one year of Junior B in Vermilion.

At age sixteen John le home and played Junior A Tier II in Maple Ridge, BC. From there he went to play three years of Major A Junior hockey with the New Westminster Bruins, winning back-to-back Memorial Cup Championships. He was dra ed by the Los Angeles Kings in 1979, going fi h overall in the third round. John played over four hundred games in the seven seasons he was with the Kings. Kelly was named captain of Team Canada.

many major tournaments across the globe, including Scotland, the USA, Spain, Australia, and across Canada.

In 2000, the Neversweats won their age division at the World Cup in Vancouver.

The Neversweats hosted the NHL Oldtimers several times and the Flying Fathers as supporters of community projects.

They hosted the Border Cup Tournament from 1979 to 2012.

Lloydminster Neversweats

Michelle "Marcel" Courchesne and Wade Enger are among Lloydminster's most wellknown sports personalities due to their untiring support and voluntary contribution to many sports programs—at the ballparks, at football fields, at the rinks with the Border Kings, junior hockey, female hockey, and minor hockey.

They won their age division at the 1980 Pacific Cup in Victoria. They travelled to

The Neversweats honoured them with a plaque for their devotion. They were commonly known as "Duke and Dave" within the sporting community.

In 1979, the Lloydminster Neversweats Old Timers Hockey team was formed.

1982

Lloydminster Jr. A Lancers (1982-1988) (SJHL) were formed.

1984

GARNET "ACE" BAILEY, June 13, 1948 – September 11, 2001 Bailey played and later became a scout for the NHL and was a member of Stanley Cup and Memorial Cup winning teams. Bailey then worked as a scout with the Oilers from 1981 to 1994. He won five Stanley Cup rings with Edmonton as a scout (1984–85–87–88–90). His name was engraved on three of five Stanley Cups won during that period: 1985, 1987, and 1990.

Bailey took rookie Wayne Gretzky under his wing when he played for the Edmonton Oilers.

He died at age 53 when United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City during the September 11 attacks of 2001.

1985

Mike Wunder was a loyal volunteer with his own system to schedule three ice surfaces for Lloydminster Minor Hockey for 20+ years.

1987

Centennial Civic Centre Entertainment

Concerts by artists like Johnny Cash, Carlene and June Carter, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Charley Pride, K.D. Lang, Kenny Rogers, and Rita McNeil took place at the Civic Centre. Stampede Wrestling, rodeos with fireworks and laser shows, ice capades, circuses, the Allen Cups, and the Lipizzaner Stallions all presented themselves throughout the 1980's at the Centennial Civic Centre.

1988

Lloydminster Junior A Blazers (Alberta Jr. Hockey League) (1988-2005)

1991

DWAYNE LUNDQUIST Lundquist spent 30 + years officiating and put in 25 years on the Northeast Zone Referee Executive. He has won several awards, including the CAHA "Most Deserving Official" award, 1991, and the Hockey Alberta Meritorious Award, 2003.

Speed Skating

KRISY MYERS Myers started speed skating in 1991. In 1995 she was honoured as Lloydminster's Athlete of the Year. In 1999, she made the Canadian Senior Sprint Team.

Krisy finished 3rd at the Canadian Sprint Championships in 2001, qualifying her to compete in the First World Sprint Championships. Myers competed in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy, as a member of the Canadian Long Track team.

The Border Blades Speed Skating Club was founded by Olympian Krisy Myers and her mother, Cheryl.

1992

CORY CROSS Born and raised in Lloydminster, Cross was dra ed to Tampa Bay Lightening in 1993 where he played until 1999 when he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. His career continued at the New York Rangers (2002-2003), Edmonton Oilers (2003-2005), Pittsburgh Penguins (2005-2006) and the Detroit Red Wings (2005-2006).

BRENT REIBER, December 31, 1966 Locally born and raised, Reiber is an international hockey referee. Reffing throughout Canada, USA and Sweden, he has officiated at many international tournaments, including the Winter Olympics. He also officiated at the 1992 Memorial Cup in Seattle, the Spengler Cup, the IIHF 2005 Olympic Game (Team Canada vs. Team USA), and the World Juniors 2012.

Lloydminster Jr B Bandits

The Lloydminster Junior B Bandits won the North Eastern Jr. B League 14 times: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, and 2010). They were Provincial Champions in 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1996-97, 1997-98, 2007-08, and 2009-10. § They were Western Canadian Champions

in 1990-91,1992-93, and 1994-95. § They were Western Canadian finalists in 1997-98. § They hosted the Junior B Western Canadian Finals in March 1995. § They hosted the Hockey Alberta Jr. B Provincials in April 2004.

1995

WADE REDDEN Born in Lloydminster, and raised in Hilmond, SK, Redden was the New York Islanders' first pick in the 1995 NHL Entry Dra , second overall, but he never joined the Islanders. He was then traded to Ottawa, where he spent 11 seasons.

He has played for Canada internationally seven times, winning two gold medals in the World Junior Championships and one in the World Cup of Hockey, and represented Canada on the Olympic team in 2006.

1996

LANCE WARD, June 2,1978 Ward was originally dra ed 10th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1996 NHL Entry Dra , but he re-entered the dra and was selected 63rd overall by the Florida Panthers in the 1998 NHL Entry Dra . Ward has played 209 career NHL games, scoring 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points, and 391 penalty minutes. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Ward did not play.

Ward signed a one-year contract in 2006 with the Swedish Elitserien club HV71 from Jönköping. In late 2007, Ward broke both HV71's club record and the Elitserien record for most penalty minutes in one season.

The following season, Ward returned to Sweden and re-signed with HV71 for another year. A er winning the Elitserien playoff finals with HV71 in 2008, Ward signed with the German DEL team Frankfurt Lions. A er one season with Frankfurt, he signed a two-year contract to return to HV71 in 2009.

Ward then returned back to the Lloydminster area where he played a signifiant role in developing youth in Lloydminster's first hockey academy.

1997

TREVOR AND LINDSAY OLLEN Born and raised in the LloydminsterHillmond area, the brother-sister duo competed in ice dance when Trevor was twelve and Lindsay was ten. In their first year competing at the novice level, they went to the National Championships.

Trevor and his partner Jamie Chaffey won provincial and Western Canadian championships in novice their first year together, as well as back-to-back Western titles in junior the two following years.

Trevor was awarded the Lloydminster Male Athlete of the Year Award in 1997.

ANDREW FERENCE Was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins 208th overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Dra .

Throughout his career, Ference played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, and Edmonton Oilers, where he won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins.

1999

JUSTIN MAPLETOFT Selected by the New York Islanders in the 1999 NHL Entry Dra as their fi h-round pick, number 130 overall.

2000

Lloydminster played host to the Sr. AAA Canadian Allan Cup Championship in 2000, 2005, and 2012.

SCOTT HARTNELL Sixth overall pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Dra by the Nashville Predators. Hartnell was the youngest player in franchise history to play for the Predators and the youngest player in the NHL in the 2000–01 season. Throughout his career, Hartnell played for the Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

2001

Lloydminster's own Border Kings won the Allan Cup in 2001 and 2007.

Devin Racz Memorial Relay in honour of a former member who passed away in 2007.

The Cross & Redden Celebrity Golf Classic was held each year from 2001 to 2004.

NHLers and Lloydminsterites Cory Cross and Wade Redden invited NHL colleagues and athletes to Lloydminster to raise funds for worthy local causes. Hockey truly does give back in Lloydminster!

The title of Canada's Best Speed Skating Story was awarded to Alastair Starke at a gala evening hosted by Catriona Le May Doan in 2007. When the 17-year-old needed a place to train for the Alberta Games, he built an oval on a frozen slough on his family's farm just outside of Lloydminster.

As a result of Starke's story, ING donated $5000 to the Lloydminster Border Blades Speed Skating Club. As of 2012, 20 senior skaters had represented the Lloydminster Club at the Short Track and Long Track Canadian and North American Age Class Championships.

COLBY ARMSTRONG Dra ed by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the 2001 NHL Entry Dra as the 21st pick overall.

Lloydminster Border Blades Speedskating

Former MLA, Richard Starke started assistant coaching with the club in 2001.

He became head coach in 2003. ”Fire on Ice" is the Border Bladesʼ yearly provincial meet. In conjunction with "Fire on Ice," the club also stages the annual

KEN KILE Canadian Adult Recreation Hockey Association Hall of Fame inductee. Ken was one of the founders and most enthusiastic supporters of adult recreation hockey in the Midwest. He was one of the founding members of the Lloydminster Neversweats.

2002

TYLER WEIMAN Was dra ed by the Colorado Avalanche in the 5th round (164th overall) in 2002.

2003

CLARKE MACARTHUR Dra ed by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round (74th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Dra . He was also a member of Canada's gold-medal-winning squad at the 2005 World Junior Championships. Throughout his career, MacArthur played for the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators.

2004

The Jr. A Blazers faced challenges in securing stable leadership and financial support, raising questions about the team's ability to continue operating in Lloydminster.

Otis Rusling stepped into the role of President and worked to keep the organization running and the team on the ice. His efforts helped guide the Blazers through a transitional period.

At the end of the 2005 season, the team was offered for community ownership. Wayne Russell, along with Rusway Construction, took on the opportunity and rebranded the franchise as the Lloydminster Bobcats, beginning a new chapter for junior hockey in the city.

2006

Multiplex Opens its Doors

Multiplex opened in 2006 (Commonwealth Centre, now the Servus Sports Centre).

The community and surrounding area joined together to "Build the Multiplex."

Many community fundraising benefits were organized over a few years with all proceeds going to the “Build the Multiplex” fund, including “Push for the Multiplex,” “Letʼs Get Started,” and “Top It Up,” as well as golf tournaments, 3-on-3 hockey tournaments, entertainment evenings, and many more.

Most local businesses devoted all their available sponsorship funds to help build the Multiplex over the last few years.

Special acknowledgments to Chairperson Bob Christie and Fundraising Chairperson Miles Schiller.

When the Multiplex (Servus Sports Centre) was conceived, a new ice surface hadn't been built since the city was half the size. In 2006, when the centre was finished, the city's population had reached 24,000.

The facility boasts two indoor NHL-sized

rinks, an indoor public ice skating surface, and an outdoor speed skating oval.

Archie Miller Arena

Archie Miller Arena was renovated in the summer of 2006 with a 20-foot addition onto the north end—providing larger dressing rooms and lobby, as well as new arena boards and glass.

Centennial Civic Centre

The City of Lloydminster provided user amenity upgrades to the Centennial Civic Centre, including seat replacement and sound system upgrades.

Lloydminster Figure Skating Club

In October of 2006, the Lloydminster Figure Skating Club celebrated their 50th Anniversary (1956-2006).

Jamie Sale and David Pelletier skated at the Civic Centre on October 21, 2006, to celebrate the Lloydminster Figure Skating Club's 50th Anniversary. A banquet followed the 3-hour celebration on ice, with Sale and Pelletier entertaining the crowd of 800.

2008

2007

Lloydminster Border Kings

The Lloydminster Border Kings were the local Senior AAA hockey team. The Border Kings captured the Allan Cup, Canadaʼs national senior championship, in 2001, becoming the first Saskatchewan-based team in 60 years to win the title. The last team to do so had been the Regina Rangers in 1941. They also won the Allan Cup in 2007. They were provincial champions in 1998-99, 2000-01, 2001-02, and 2002-03. The team completed their final season in the 2014-15 season.

2008

BRADEN HOLTBY Brayden Holtby was dra ed to Washington Capitals in 2008, making his NHL debut in November 2010. In 2018 he lead the Washington Capitals to the franchise's first ever Stanley Cup win. Throughout his career he played for the Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars.

WENDELL MCGRATH Born and raised in Lloydminster, McGrath skated for 12 years with the Lloydminster Figure Skating Club. McGrath and his partner Claire Tannett came in 1st place at the 2009 Skate Canada Alberta/NWT/Nunavut Sectional Championships-Senior Dance and placed 14th at the 2009 Canadian National Championships-Senior Dance.

Lloydminster Minor Hockey

In March 2009, Lloydminster Minor Hockey hosted the Bantam A Hockey Alberta Provincials.

2010

VAUGHN CHIPEUR As a member of the Skate Canada Alberta NWT/Nunavut Skating section, throughout his career, Vaughn was a member of the 2010 Olympic Team and a silver medalist in 2009 and 2010 at the Canadian National Skating Championships.

Chipeur grew up on a small acreage outside of Lloydminster and started skating with the Lloydminster Figure Skating Club in 1994.

Canada Women's Olympic Team vs Lloydminster Tanroc Midget AAA "Bobcats Take Down Team Canada” The Tanroc Midget AAA Bobcats took a 5-2 victory over Team Canada's Women's Olympic Hockey Team on January 21, 2010.

The game in Lloydminster turned out to be a "win-win" for all. The women's team found the practice they needed for the

competition facing them in Vancouver that year, and the midget Bobcats played a team they would never forget!

Olympic Torch Relay celebration at Bud Miller All Season Park

On January 12, 2010, Bud Miller All Seasons Park came to host a "magical event."

Lloydminster Minor Hockey, Lloydminster Figure Skating Club, and the Lloydminster Border Blades Speedskating Club came together on Bud Miller Lake to celebrate the evening. There were approximately 800+ skaters on the ice that -1°C night.

The Olympic Torch Relay followed in the parking lot with the VANOC celebration evening—entertaining a crowd of 10,000 people. Merv Mann was the final runner of the Olympic Torch Relay in Lloydminster, with his journey leading to the VANOC stage in Bud Miller Park. The evening was wrapped up with breathtaking fireworks.

2011

"Save the Bobcats" — Spring of 2011

Lloydminster faced a "close call" when the the Bobcats Jr. A hockey franchise received an offer from an individual in Whitecourt, Alberta, to move the team. Thanks to the efforts of the "Friends of the Bobcats", 777 season tickets were sold, and 87 individuals and businesses produced $500,000 worth of shares to keep the community-owned hockey team in Lloydminster!

Hartnell & McArthur Celebrity Golf Classic

The inaugural Hartnell & McArthur Celebrity Golf Classic was held in 2011 at the Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre.

NHL players and Lloydminster-grown Scott Hartnell and Clarke MacArthur hosted fellow NHLers and sports celebrities to raise funds for local charities. In 2011, over $200,000 was donated back to the community.

LEO WURTZ In his 30-year career, he officiated in 3,500 games, including several international assignments. In addition to officiating, he assigned thousands of hockey games all over Northeast Alberta and Northwest Saskatchewan. At one point, Wurtz was assigning 12 different junior and senior leagues plus Lloydminster Minor Hockey.

Wurtz was a schoolteacher and took it upon himself to recruit, promote, and mentor young officials. In 1987, Leo was presented with the Northeast Referee Zone Award in recognition of his dedicated service to the zone. In 1990, he was presented with the Hockey Alberta Ernie Boruk Award in recognition of dedicated service to the Hockey Alberta Referee Committee. When Leo retired in 1990, the Northeast Zone created the Leo Wurtz Award, to be presented annually for recognition of outstanding dedication and commitment to officiating.

In 2011, Leo Wurtz was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame.

Lloydminster Recreation Hockey

In 2011, rec hockey consisted of 45 recreation teams playing within the cityʼs arenas.

Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association

LMH consisted of 58 teams with 852 kids, male and female, from Initiation to Elite (AAA) Divisions and Grassroots under the blanket of Hockey Alberta in 2011.

Tournament dates begin with: § November 20th weekend McDonald's Female Tournament (all divisions Novice-Midget), § December 5th weekend, Ace Bailey Memorial Pee Wee AA and Bantam AA, § January 20th weekend, Art Roberge Memorial Peewee A and Bantam A, § February 3rd weekend Novice (Tier 2 & 3), § Feb 10th weekend Timbits Initiation, § March 2nd weekend Atom (Tiers 1, 2, & 3) Tournament.

Centennial Civic Centre – Arena Staff recognition. Don Wolfe receives his 25 years of service recognition with the City of Lloydminster, and Wes Ringland receives his 15 years of service recognition for serving patrons at the Centennial Civic Centre.

2012

Centennial Civic Centre

In the summer of 2011, it underwent major renovations: 8' arena glass was installed on the newly recovered arena boards.

Washrooms were renovated in the lower level, as well as the dressing rooms. New rubber flooring was installed in the hallways and dressing rooms. The lobby concessions were redesigned, housing new handicap/family washrooms on the north side of the lobby.

Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association

Hosts Pee Wee A Hockey Alberta Provincials in March 2012.

Allan Cup 2012

Lloydminster Border Kings and the City of Lloydminster host the Allan Cup 2012 Senior AAA National Championship. The Border Kings were victorious over the Rosetown Red Wings, taking home the championship.

2014

Lloydminster was proud to host Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada in 2014, a national celebration of hockey presented by Sportsnet. The event brought together NHL alumni, community teams, and hockey fans of all ages for a weekend of games, clinics, and festivities that highlighted Canadaʼs passion for the game.

Rogers Hometown Hockey

Rogers Hometown Hockey was in Lloydminster in March of 2014, 2017, and 2022 as part of the inaugural tour, featuring a weekend of community festivities and an NHL game broadcast. The event, co-hosted by Ron MacLean and Tara Slone, included interactive community-based games, activities and entertainment, and featured an outdoor viewing party of an NHL game.

Through Rogers Hometown Hockey, the passion and excitement for hockey was shared within smaller communities throughout Canada.

2016

Lloydminster and the Junior A Bobcats hosted the RBC Cup in May 2016. This tournament brought Junior A teams and spectators from across Canada. A er a hard-fought battle, the Bobcats received the silver medal.

Battle of the Badges

The first annual Battle of the Badges charity hockey game was held at the Centennial Civic Centre on February 21, 2016. This memorial game honours the late Todd Gustavson, who was dedicated to the Lloydminster Fire Department for over 37 years. This annual event is played by members of the Lloydminster Fire Department and members from the Lloydminster RCMP Detachment. Each year, a new charity is selected to support the community.

2017

MASON SHAW Born in Lloydminster and raised in Wainwright, Mason was selected 97th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Entry Dra .

2019

Pintyʼs Grand Slam of Curling

In October 2017, the Pintyʼs Grand Slam of Curling brought elite international curling teams from throughout Canada.

2020

In 2020, hockey, skating, and recreation looked a little different. With the COVID-19 pandemic, players were forced to hang up their skates for the season to ensure social distancing and stop the virusʼ spread.

2021

The U13 Female Blazers were the recipients of the 2022 Chevrolet Goods Deeds Cup. They donated $90,000 towards the Cenovus Energy Hub's accessibility features to further promote inclusive sport in the community.

2024

In July 2024, the City of Lloydminster hosted the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games. The ceremonial events took place in the Centennial Civic Centre, bringing athletes, dignitaries, and spectators together.

On June 5, 2024, over 2,500 students from across the region joined the Inter-School Powwow to celebrate Indigenous culture through song, dance, and regalia.

2025

Chiefs vs Kings Final Farewell Match

In preparation for the facility closure of the Centennial Civic Centre, a nostalgic showdown between the Chiefs and Kings was held at the arena. This event celebrated the history and community spirit within the hockey community.

KAYLEE ROSS Ross received the Junior Citizen of the Year Award to be presented by Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre. Kaylee is a prominent figure skater and CanSkate program assistant within the community.

LAKELAND COLLEGE RUSTLERS Within their first year of the Alberta Junior Female Hockey League, the Lakeland College Rustlers Women's Hockey Team became provincial champions. A er winning bronze and silver in the 2022 and 2023 seasons they brought home gold in the following seasons making them the 20242025 and 2025-2026 ACAC champions.

2025 Esso Cup

In April 2025, the U18 PWM Steelers welcomed the Women's Hockey Championships to Lloydminster. This event brought teams from across Canada to participate in the game.