The Outdoor Hockey League (OHL) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. From its humble beginnings in a Regina classroom to a league which is now spread across Saskatchewan, the OHL allows all youth the opportunity to play hockey by removing the financial barriers. Over the next several weeks we will be highlighting stories from volunteers, former players, and the media over the past 20 years. Please tune in weekly for a little piece of hockey history.
1994 CBC interview on the Outdoor Hockey League
Other memorable moments in the OHL in the past 20 years
- 1992- Russ Matthews introduces Dress a Champion in his classroom, collecting 400 skates and 2,000 pieces of equipment
- 1993 –Introduction of the OHL at Grassick Park for 100 players
- 1995 – Ehrlo Community Services created which oversees the OHL
- 1996 – Sports Venture is created
- 1997 – The lending library of sports equipment is created in an abandoned church to outfit inner-city youth
- 1997 - OHL started in Prince Albert
- 1998—OHL expanded to 7 zones in the City of Regina
- 1998—OHL Olympic Hockey Tournament held at Sherwood Twin Hockey Arena (coordinator Ken Jones wins volunteer award in the special events category for his efforts)
- 1998—Sport Venture opens its doors at 2825 Saskatchewan Drive
- 1999 – High Noon Optimist Club starts their “Sticks for Kids” in conjunction with Dress-A-Champion
- 2000- The OHL is written up in Readers Digest and National Geographic
- 2000—NHL player Mike Sillinger agrees to be honorary captain of the OHL
- 2004—Hockey celebrity Don Cherry visits OHL headquarters on Saskatchewan Drive.
- 2005 – Conexus signs on as presenting sponsor and donates $75,000 over three years
- 2006 –First Mayor’s cup held at Brandt Centre
- 2007 - Sports Venture moves to 5th Ave, a larger space for the library
- 2008 – NHLPA donates new hockey gear to the OHL
- 2008 – Ken Dryden visits Grassick Park rink
- 2009 - Kellen Joel Cavanagh Memorial Award created
- 2011 – Ehrlo Community Service amalgamates with Ranch Ehrlo. Sports Venture is accredited under COA (volunteers require criminal record checks and references)
- 2012 – OHL celebrates its 20th anniversary
