As early as 1897, ice hockey has always been a popular sport in Kamloops. Many local lads, took their summer
holidays in the winter in order to make the long journey by horse and sled to neighbouring Nicola Lake for an
annual tournament. Most winters, the teams held inter-city matches played between the Old Town and the New
Town teams, on flooded fields or near the river banks.

The first built-in skating rink, with surrounding boards was built on the site of the present day Riverside Park in
1899 by local boat builder Earnest Fletcher. Hockey sticks were a frequent sale item in Kamloops with prices
ranging from 25 cents to 90 cents each.

In December of 1926, the building of an arena finally meant there was a home for inter-city competition and the
beginning of indoor hockey in Kamloops. The new arena boasted dressing rooms, a heating system and a much
appreciated hot dog and snack counter. Space and scheduling had to be juggled around the annual fall fair, the
bull sale, lacrosse and other community groups.

After 1940, the arena was completely shut down after it was declared unsafe for public use. The out door rink
was put back into use with a new clubhouse, boards, improved lighting and better facilities for spectators.
Susan Cross, Elisabeth Duckworth, Museum Archives