A river that became a first-ever hockey rink and a reason to gather

For one day in March, Canada’s longest river added a new title to its already-impressive resume: hockey rink.

The Norman Wells community showed up to something you don’t see every day: a stretch of the Mackenzie River turned into a hockey surface for the first‑ever Imperial‑sponsored Sahtu Mackenzie River Classic.

From the riverbank, you could hear it before you saw it. Music playing, people laughing, and the sounds of blades cutting into the frozen surface. Families, friends and neighbours stood along the edge with hot chocolate, watching players of all ages head out onto the river.

“This was more than hockey,” says Laura Bishop, Imperial Indigenous Engagement Manager. “It was about demonstrating Imperial’s commitment to continue to show up for our communities following an end of production announcement.” 

And there were a few moments that made the day feel even bigger.

Three iconic Hockey Hall of Fame trophies also made the trip north. The Hart Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy and the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award were on site along with Phil Pritchard, curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame but better known as the ‘Keeper of the Cup.’

Brent Dodginghorse, a former professional hockey player and advocate for inclusion in sport, joined the community at the event. Brent, a recent winner of the Willie O’Ree award, spent the day connecting with local youth and families, sharing his story and reinforcing the message that everyone deserves to feel welcome in the game.

Sometimes, that’s all it takes—a frozen river, a good day, and a reason to come together. The Sahtu Mackenzie River Classic wasn’t just the games on ice, but a reminder of how powerful it can be when community, culture and sport meet in a place that feels like home.