Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit ultimate exposure for World's Largest Hockey Stick
A display in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto completes the hat trick for Duncan's World's Largest Hockey Stick and Puck.
"This is indeed a historic day,'' said Dick Drew, who made the official announcement Monday night prior to the Cowichan Valley Capitals' B.C. Hockey League playoff game against the Surrey Eagles at Cowichan Arena.
The Duncan landmark was previously recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and also has a display in the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame.
But inclusion in the Hockey Hall of Fame truly elevates its status.
"Our icon, your hockey stick and puck, will join the greatest hockey players in the world and the largest collection of hockey memorabilia,'' raved Drew.
The display in the Doc Seaman Resource Centre at the Hockey Hall of Fame will feature a picture and a plaque describing the rich history of the Stick.
Hockey Hall of Fame vice president and curator Philip Pritchard, the man made famous for wearing white gloves while carrying around the Stanley Cup, appeared via video link-up on a big screen to congratulate the community on the honour.
"The Stick, he said, "has a great home out west and we are certainly proud to keep the achievements of the record, along with photos, here in the Doc Seaman Resource Centre for all hockey fans to see, research and enjoy.
"I'm looking forward to visiting it one day and see it for myself.''
Community leaders are obviously thrilled with the designation.
"An exhibit at the Hockey Hall of Fame, one of the world's foremost shrines for hockey fans, will expose thousands of people to our local treasure, and will hopefully entice a lot of people to come and see it for themselves,'' stated Island Savings Centre manager John Elzinga in a press release.
"Canadians are united in their love of hockey and the exposure this new exhibit will give our centre and our valley is immeasurable,'' added Al Siebring, chair of the Island Savings Centre commission.
The hockey stick and puck originally appeared at Expo '86 in Vancouver. It's been 24 years since the artifact was erected at its new site alongside the Island Savings Centre.
The acquisition of the Stick from the Expo organization required a major community fundraising drive.
"It has a long and interesting history,'' said Drew.
"It was indeed a community project and it remains a community project.
"It is now the most famous icon on Vancouver Island.''
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