Creston’s ice legends and achievements are about to be front and centre for the whole community to enjoy and reminisce at Johnny Bucyk Arena, with Creston Valley Minor Hockey’s 100 years of ice sports legacy project nearing completion.
The project was ignited after the community recognized they needed a space to celebrate their history and sporting heroes in the Creston Valley.
“We’re probably one of the old arenas in the Kootenays that didn’t have something like that. So, recognizing that and that in 2024 it was Creston’s 100-year centennial, we thought that it would be a great time to be able to bring together some other user groups and community members to be able to kind of bring this project together.” said Kala Hooker, project director.
And its more than just recognition for those who have come before us, but a candle of hope for generations to come.
“This project preserves the history, and it inspires the present,” said Amber Parson, project coordinator.
“It’s a beautiful display and a tangible record of all the ice sports in Creston, and it highlights the heroes of ice sports in the display itself.”
“But me, being a working part of this project, has made me look at the people that are getting it done and that are taking all of these pieces from Yaqan Nukiy and the museum and all the sponsors that have helped us.”
“They’re making this project happen and that inspires me to make a difference in my community, and it’s really something to be proud of.”
The community has been instrumental in collating historical information, sharing stories and working with Tammy Bradford from Creston Valley Museum to pull the exhibit together.
“One part of the exhibit is we’re going to have digital screens that you will be able to kind of keep the project evergreen, keep it live, and keep adding stories.” said Hooker.
“So, we still want to hear from people if they’ve got stories or things they would like us to know about.”
This week will see the backdrops installed into the 60 feet of glass display cases, already installed on the wall behind the top row of seating in the Johnny Bucyk Arena.
Organizers aim to be installing exhibits by the end of the month and adding in those final touches before inviting the community along for the big unveiling.
The total cost of the project is over $90,000, which has been funded by local businesses and fundraising efforts.
Project organizers would like to share a big thank you to the following business for their support:
- BC Hockey
- Roger Tierney – RDCK Regional Director Area B
- Creston & District Credit Union
- Creston Valley Rotary Club
- Creston Rotary Club $2,000 Brewery and Workers Union
- Creston Valley Community Foundation
- Creston Lions Club
- ReDi Grants for Area A, B, C and Town of Creston
- U18 Tier 4 BC Hockey Championships
- Creston Valley Minor Hockey Association
- Town of Creston
- Kelly Vandenberghe – RDCK Regional Director Area C
- Gary Jackman – RDCK Regional Director Area A
- Columbia Basin Trust
- Your Wayfinders Management Solutions Ltd.
- Canfor – Wynnwood
- Daiku Woodworks
- H. Huscroft Ltd.
- Pyramid Lumber Store
- Home Hardware
- Speedy Glass
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