KINISTINO, Sask. – The town of Kinistino will be in the spotlight in 2024 after scoring big with its proposal to host the 16th edition of Hockey Day in Saskatchewan (HDIS).

This also marks the first time Kinistino – population 671 – will host the multi-day event, with Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, serving as the official "Hockey Day in Saskatchewan." The annual celebration will take place over the weekend of January 19 to 21, 2024, with a full schedule to be released at a later date.

The main theme of HDIS is to promote the game of hockey, build community spirit by making the arena the focal point of activity, and celebrate the many volunteers who assist in keeping local hockey active in their community.

“Hosting Hockey Day in Saskatchewan is a remarkable opportunity that not only puts the Home of the Tigers in the hockey spotlight but also highlights the immense dedication of Kinistino Minor Hockey Association,” said Kelly McClintock, General Manager of Hockey Saskatchewan. “Together, with the support of surrounding communities, they're poised to make this event an unforgettable celebration of our shared love for the game.”

HDIS also shoots to provide the host community with a fundraising platform to assist in the financing of local rink improvements or a new facility.

Situated in Zone Five (8), Kinistino is a small community with deep hockey roots that was selected by Hockey Saskatchewan to help raise funds for vital renovations to Kinistino Sports Complex, which was built in the early 1970s.

The complex is the social hub of Kinistino and is a combination of a skating rink, curling rink, and upstairs gym for students from the adjacent elementary school. Rink users also include surrounding communities such as Beatty, Birch Hills, Brancepeth, Ethleton, James Smith Cree Nation, Melfort, Meskanaw and Weldon.

"We are super excited for Hockey Day in Kinistino!" said Randy Hanson, President of Kinistino Minor Hockey Association. "Along with supporting our arena, it's a great way to celebrate our love for hockey and our amazing community."

HDIS was held in Martensville last season and was able to raise $72,500 for its new rink facility. Since its inception in 2008, fifteen (15) events have amassed over $1,305,000 to help keep rinks alive and well in communities, big and small. This event has proved to be a tremendous promotion over the past years and Hockey Saskatchewan sees it getting larger and more popular with each season.

Kinistino’s host committee will be holding an HDIS hosting announcement with members of the SMAAAHL’s Prince Albert Mintos and SFU18AAAHL’s Prince Albert Bears to celebrate their winning application on Thursday, October 5, 2023. The event starts at 2:00 PM (SK) with floor hockey later at Kinistino Public School which is located at 405 5 Street.

This marks a hat trick for Zone Eight, with Pinehouse and Shellbrook jointly hosting HDIS in 2017 and Waldheim serving as a previous host in 2011.

Check out the Hockey Day in Saskatchewan website and social media platforms (Facebook and X) for updates.

About HOCKEY SASKATCHEWAN

Hockey Saskatchewan was established in 1912 and is the governing body for organized hockey in the Province of Saskatchewan. With a mission to Lead, Develop and Promote Positive Hockey Experiences, Hockey Saskatchewan encourages competition at all levels – from recreational to high performance. Hockey Saskatchewan has grown through the years and is Saskatchewan’s largest sports organization with over 40,000 members comprised of players, coaches, and officials. For more information, please visit www.hockeysask.ca or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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