KINISTINO — Kinistino will be in the spotlight in 2024 after scoring big with its proposal to host the 16th edition of Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.
This also marks the first time Kinistino will host the multi-day event, with Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, serving as the official Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.
The annual celebration will take place over the weekend of Jan. 19 to 21, 2024, with a full schedule to be released at a later date.
The main theme of Hockey Day is to promote the game of hockey, build community spirit by making the arena the focal point of activity, and celebrate the many volunteers who assist in keeping local hockey active in their community.
“Hosting Hockey Day in Saskatchewan is a remarkable opportunity that not only puts the Home of the Tigers in the hockey spotlight but also highlights the immense dedication of Kinistino Minor Hockey Association,” said Kelly McClintock, General Manager of Hockey Saskatchewan. “Together, with the support of surrounding communities, they're poised to make this event an unforgettable celebration of our shared love for the game.”
Hockey Day also shoots to provide the host community with a fundraising platform to assist in the financing of local rink improvements or a new facility.
The community was selected by Hockey Saskatchewan to help raise funds for vital renovations to Kinistino Sports Complex, which was built in the early 1970s. The complex is the social hub of Kinistino and is a combination of a skating rink, curling rink, and upstairs gym for students from the adjacent elementary school. Rink users also include surrounding communities such as Beatty, Birch Hills, Brancepeth, Ethleton, James Smith Cree Nation, Melfort, Meskanaw and Weldon.
"We are super excited for Hockey Day in Kinistino!" said Randy Hanson, President of Kinistino Minor Hockey Association. "Along with supporting our arena, it's a great way to celebrate our love for hockey and our amazing community."
Hockey Day was held in Martensville last season and was able to raise $72,500 for its new rink facility. Since its inception in 2008, 15 events have amassed over $1.3 million to help keep rinks alive and well in communities, big and small. This event has proved to be a tremendous promotion over the past years and Hockey Saskatchewan sees it getting larger and more popular with each season.
Kinistino’s host committee held an Hockey Day hosting announcement with members of the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League's Prince Albert Mintos and Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League's Prince Albert Bears to celebrate their winning application on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. The event started with floor hockey later at Kinistino Public School.
