Hockey Rodeo in Stavely

It was the second wild ride along the QE2 Highway in two days. Another snow blizzard to navigate, heading over 100 km south of Calgary for hockey in Stavely, home of Canada’s First Indoor Rodeo. The Calgary Girls Hockey Bantam 1 White Hawks were playing a critical game against Okotoks, looking to get a win and go one step closer to an Alberta provincial play-off spot. The girls shrugged off the snow and got on one of the finest ice surfaces they have played on this season. Hard and fast, thanks to an arena that keeps things real cold in winter.

The game was even in the first period, with Calgary scoring the only goal with less than two minutes to go. After that, the game blew open. The White Hawks dominated play, coming out of the chute to score five more times.

Just in case you were wondering, there are no skating cowboys or horses competing for prize money in the Stavely Pro Rodeo.  In April, the ice goes out and is replaced by a good few inches of dirt. They have been doing this almost annually for 59 years, attracting competitors from Canada and the USA. You can check into town for the 60th performance between May 11-13, 2017.

J. Ashley Nixon Photography