Olivia R.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver Heritage Fair

61 Trail Smoke Eaters

"A team that won't be beat, can't be beat!"  This is the story of how the 1961 Trail Smoke Eaters won the World Championships of Hockey.  It is a proud moment in Canadian history.

 

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I learned a lot about the game of hockey and how it was played in the 1960s. Having met and interviewed some of the players, I learned how their World Championship win affected them for the rest of their lives and shaped who they became. I learned that this story is not only a huge piece of Canadian heritage but also how important it was, and still is, on the world stage of hockey.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

This story shows how a group of underdogs from a small town, playing Canada's game of hockey, were able to overcome great obstacles to win the World Championships. It taught me that if you believe in yourself and work hard enough, you can reach any goal!

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

There are many differences but also many similarities when you compare life today to how it was in the 1960s. Certainly, the game of hockey has undergone many changes. There were also many political changes especially in Europe. But rallying around an underdog and supporting and cheering on your team; these traits are still very real in life today! Also, the passion and love for the game of hockey by Canadians is as great today, if not greater, than it was in the '60s.