An arena in Winnipeg’s North End is being renamed after a local hockey goalie who died weeks after winning the Stanley Cup.
Pioneer Arena on Logan Avenue will be renamed Charlie Gardiner Arena after the Chicago Blackhawks goalie with Winnipeg roots.
“Charlie’s story is a very inspiring one,” Edna Poulter, Gardiner’s niece, said in a statement.
“As a family, we are so thankful for this opportunity to keep his memory alive and to bring inspiration to young athletes in Charlie’s former neighbourhood.”
Gardiner, known as Chuck, was born in Scotland and emmigrated to Winnipeg in 1911, where his family moved into the Point Douglas area. He played professionally with the Winnipeg Maroons and moved to the Chicago Blackhawks, playing goalie from 1927 to 1934. He won the Vezina Trophy as best goalie in 1932 and 1934, and led the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup victory in 1934.
During the 1934 playoffs, Gardiner was suffering from tonsillitis but continued to play. When he came home to Winnipeg, his illness grew worse and he died on June 13, 1934.
“Charlie Gardiner was one of hockey’s greatest goalies, who lived a stone’s throw away from where the Pioneer Arena is today in the Point Douglas Ward,” said area Coun. Mike Pagtakhan.
“The Pioneer Arena is underused and in really great shape, so it made sense to attach Gardiner’s name to it to celebrate Winnipeg’s deep roots for the game of hockey.”
An unveiling ceremony was held Thursday with members of Gardiner’s family, who will view the proposed design for the new sign, which will include a laser-cut figure of Gardiner in steel, mounted on limestone blocks.
The new sign will be done in the fall.
Comments