With the recent announcement of Canada’s Olympic ice hockey team for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, northwestern Ontario can look back fondly at local players who have represented Canada in previous competitions.
One significant moment was during the 1936 games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where Canada, represented by the Port Arthur Bearcats, missed out on a gold medal due to a controversial ruling about eligibility and the tournament’s format.
The Bearcats were chosen to represent Canada after the Halifax Wolverines, who had beaten the Bearcats in the 1935 Allan Cup, disbanded before the 1935-36 season began.
The Port Arthur team would later add players from other clubs but still featured several members from the 1934-35 season, including Max Deacon from Schreiber, James Haggarty, Ray Milton, Jackie Nash, Alex Sinclair, and Bill Thompson.
Johnny Coward, raised in Fort Frances, was part of Britain’s winning team at the 1936 Olympics.
Coward was playing in the English National League when he got selected.
Another player from Port Arthur, Gerry Davey, was also on Britain’s squad.
Henry Akervall in Germany at the Olympics, 1964, Cairine Budner fonds at Lakehead University Archives, accessed January 6, 2026,
https://digitalcollections. lakeheadu. ca/items/show/3194
Hank Akervall captained Canada’s entry during the 1964 games in Innsbruck, Austria. The team ended up losing its final two matches and missed out on a medal for the first time.
Wayne Stephenson was born in Fort William but learned hockey in Winnipeg. He played in Grenoble for Canada during the next winter Olympics where they secured a bronze medal.
Chris Lindbergh from Fort Frances represented Canada at the 1992 Winter Olympics held in Albertville France.
Lindbergh joined Team Canada just before that season and became one of their top scorers during both the 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons.
Canada finished tied for first place with two others but earned top seed over what used to be known as Soviet Union teams and Czechoslovakia due to tiebreakers.
The Canadians narrowly defeated Germany then upset Czechoslovakia to reach gold-medal game against what was known as Unified Team but lost with a score of 3-1.
Lindberg scored Canada’s only goal during that match.
This silver medal marked Canada’s first Olympic hockey medal in three decades.
A couple years later Greg Johnson from Thunder Bay joined Team Canada for Lillehammer Games held in Norway. They won silver after losing to Sweden during a shootout final match.
Northwestern Ontario continued its representation as NHL players filled Olympic rosters starting from 1998 onward.
Dryden’s Chris Pronger played with Team Canada which lost to Finland during their bronze medal game at Nagano Japan. Pronger went on to compete consecutively four times at Olympic events winning gold medals in both 2002 and again eight years later!
Thunder Bay’s Eric Staal along with Kenora’s Mike Richards and Duncan Keith who once lived near Fort Frances made up part of that iconic victorious squad achieving their victory against United States through an overtime win while hosting Vancouver event!
This same duo along with Patrick Sharp also contributed towards another successful campaign bringing home more gold medals obtained again this time around Sochi Russia!
Eager Staal returned once again representing his country as captain earning yet another bronze medal achieved within Gangneung South Korea last February!
A few players hailing originally from Fort Frances have even suited up wearing colors proudly associated representing USA too!
Their talent shone brightly; Robert Rompre born nearby International Falls got chosen onto American roster back during Oslo’s second edition henceforth clinching silver medals there while competing valiantly throughout tournament series despite having military obligations weighing down heavily upon him personally..
Tied closely behind Ed Sampson alongside Dick Dougherty were pivotal forces pushing forward US effort within Cortina d’Ampezzo finishing strong gaining themselves silver honors respectively! Each athlete hailed directly near Fort Frances itself yet carried citizenship linked elsewhere primarily rooted firmly centered around International Falls area..
Dilworth too brought honor forth being selected among ranks aiming high representing U. S Team making strides helping finish fifth overall standing recorded history here showcasing impressive skills acquired previously developed locally enjoyed time spent earlier growing roots playing close by community arenas available nearby
A trio shared talents further solidifying representation witnessed when observing Keith Christianson Tim Sheehy joined forces completing U. S national squads prior ultimately resulting impressive outcomes followed suit leading directly into Sapporo Japan securing precious hardware via earned distinct silver recognition!
Brought home latest news regarding Bob Mason together alongside Gary Sampson eventually formed last group coming through International Falls successfully breaking boundaries reaching lofty goals previously thought unreachable! Both trained diligently attending University Minnesota Duluth now striving highest levels attained thus far seeking championship excellence awarded benefits derived naturally thereof..
Northern regions including Northwestern Ontario continually showcase deep-rooted connections found amongst diverse nations beyond borders witnessed surrounding areas globally alike effectively enriching sporting experiences collectively engaged each participant elevating entire landscape proving true passion exists equally shared across cultures reminding us all how powerful unity translates towards greatness regardless distance apart!
The upcoming winter olympics will officially kick off starting February fifth this year!
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