Hockey fans in Victoria, mark your calendars: the Stanley Cup is coming to the city!
Details about the iconic trophy’s role in a three-day celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Victoria Cougars’ Stanley Cup win were revealed at an official launch event at Penny Farthing on Tuesday.
The event, organized by the Victoria Hockey Legacy Society (VHLS), will take place from March 27th to March 30th, 2025, featuring activities that pay homage to the Cougars’ 1925 triumph over the Montreal Canadiens.
The Stanley Cup will be on display at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre on March 30th, offering fans a chance to take photos with hockey’s most iconic trophy between noon and 4 p.m. This marks a rare opportunity for Victorians to get up close with the Cup while celebrating the city’s rich hockey history.
- Stanley Cup returning to Victoria to celebrate 100th anniversary of Cougars win
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The Victoria Cougars’ won on March 30th, 1925, at the historic Patrick Arena cemented Victoria’s place in hockey lore.
The 4,000-seat arena, located at the corner of Cadboro Bay Road and Epworth Street in Oak Bay, was destroyed by fire in 1929, but its legacy endures through a commemorative monument erected in 2001 near the original site.
“This historic event is a big deal, and we wanted to do something special to mark the centennial of this milestone,” said John Wilson, co-chair of the VHLS. “You can trace our history as a hockey town to this date 100 years ago, and the sport continues to be cherished today.”
The festivities kick off on March 27th with a Hot Stove & Music Night at the Bard and Banker Pub.
The main events will unfold on March 29th and 30th at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, offering a mix of family-friendly activities, hockey clinics, games, and community spirit.
Highlights include:
- March 29th: A community festival with skating clinics featuring alumni from the Victoria Cougars and Vancouver Canucks, an NHL street ball hockey tournament, and an exclusive Cougars Alumni Game
- March 30th: Free public skating, hockey demonstrations, interactive games, and a chance to see the Stanley Cup
“We saw how hockey can bring people together during Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada earlier this year,” said VHLS co-chair Brenda MacFarlane. “The Century Celebration is another opportunity to unite our community and honour the Cougars for putting Victoria on the hockey map.”
In addition to the hockey festivities, the VHLS is hosting a songwriting contest to celebrate the Cougars’ legacy. The contest invites local songwriters to submit original compositions inspired by the team’s historic win. Finalists will perform live during Music Night on March 27th, with the grand prize winner receiving $5,000.
Submissions are open until February 28th, 2025.
Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or new to the sport, the Century Celebration offers something for everyone.
Don’t miss your chance to see the Stanley Cup in Victoria this March and be part of a historic event that pays tribute to the team that made local hockey history.
For a full schedule of events, visit vhls.ca.
