By Ian MacKay
KERROBERT – The Kindersley Klippers take on the Nipawin Hawks at Kerrobert’s Memorial Arena on Jan. 16 as Dodsland and Kerrobert present Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.
The two west-central Saskatchewan communities will host the 19th multi-day celebration of the game. Besides the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League regular-season game, two under-18 AAA games happen earlier that day, a Hockey Saskatchewan statement said Wednesday.
The Saskatoon Stars take on the Swift Current Wildcats in a female game at 1 p.m. that day, then the Notre Dame Hounds chase the Battlefords Stars, scheduled at 4 p.m.
Proceeds from the Jan. 13-17 event will go toward rebuilding the arena in Dodsland and upgrades to the one in Kerrobert.
Members of the junior Klippers played floor hockey at Kerrobert Composite School during the announcement ceremony on Wednesday, which also featured community representatives and special guests.
The two communities “will take centre ice” on Jan. 16 “for the official Hockey Day in Saskatchewan festivities,” the statement said, and officials will reveal the full lineup of events and celebrations later.
Kerrobert and Dodsland, which stands about 25 kilometres southeast of Kerrobert, “have forged an even stronger connection since the original Dodsland Sports Centre was destroyed by fire in July 2025,” the statement said. “In the aftermath of the loss, Kerrobert opened its doors to Dodsland teams, helping ensure a combined 360 minor hockey players could continue playing the game they love.”
“After the challenges we’ve faced with the loss of the Dodsland arena, this opportunity is especially meaningful,” said Amy Sittler of Dodsland, a member of the host committee. “The support we received from the community of Kerrobert during that time showed us what hockey and community are truly about.
“Hosting this event together gives us the chance not only to celebrate the game we love and raise funds to help get the Dodsland arena up and running again, but also to give back to a community that stepped up and helped us when we needed it most,” Sittler said.
“The strength of hockey has always been its ability to bring people together, and this upcoming event will be a celebration of that,” added Hockey Saskatchewan’s Kelly McClintock.
“When Dodsland lost its arena, Kerrobert stepped up in a remarkable way to support players, families and volunteers,” McClintock said. “It’s a story of resilience, generosity and neighbours helping neighbours, and we’re excited to shine a spotlight on two communities that embody the very best of Saskatchewan hockey.”
Avonlea hosted the 18th Hockey Day in Saskatchewan last season “and raised a record $248,000 for local rink improvements,” the statement said. “Since its inception in 2008, the event has generated more than $1.85 million in support of hockey-related projects throughout the province.”