British Columbia's Historic Hockey Showdown: A Unique Way to Experience the Past

In the heart of Vancouver, a unique attraction has emerged, blending history and fun in an unexpected way. The B. C. Sports Hall of Fame now features a special bubble hockey game that brings to life the province's only two Stanley Cup-winning teams: the 1925 Victoria Cougars and the 1915 Vancouver Millionaires. This isn't just any bubble hockey game. It's a meticulously crafted tribute to B. C. 's hockey heritage. The idea for this installation came from an unlikely source: a family doctor and hockey history buff from Metchosin. Dr. Robert O'Connor built the game in his garage to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cougars' victory. The game made its debut at a medical conference and was later donated to the Hall of Fame. The staff at the Hall were pleasantly surprised by the quality and condition of the game. It had barely been used, making it almost brand new. The attention to detail in this game is impressive. Each player is hand-painted in authentic uniforms and labeled with the names and numbers of actual players from the era. This means fans can face off against hockey legends like Cyclone Taylor of the Millionaires and Frank Frederickson of the Cougars. The game also features a mini Jumbotron displaying "Patrick Arena, " a nod to the Victoria rink that once hosted the Cougars. There's even a pre-game national anthem, crowd noise, and a goal siren, complete with a voice-over by Vancouver broadcaster Blake Price. The game's base is wrapped with a rich historical display, including old photographs and facts about the Pacific Coast Hockey Association. This league, founded by the Patrick brothers, brought numerous innovations to the game, such as blue lines, jersey numbers, and goaltenders dropping to their knees. The impact of the Patrick's innovations is still felt in the game today. The installation is free to play for anyone visiting the Hall of Fame, located at Gate A of BC Place Stadium. The curator hopes it offers a dose of nostalgia and a fresh spark of curiosity. These were two teams that changed the game. Now anyone can come down, give it a spin, and relive a piece of that story. It's a unique way to experience the past and appreciate the rich history of hockey in British Columbia.