What was once the world’s largest hockey stick is now set to become a cherished keepsake for fans across British Columbia and beyond!
Pieces of the iconic 62-metre (203-foot) wooden hockey stick, which towered over the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan, for more than 35 years, have been transformed into collectible keychains, bringing a piece of history to thousands of people.
The product was launched on Maxwell’s Autoparts and Genuine Collectibles website earlier this week, and since it went live, their first round of stock has already sold out!
The giant stick, which was originally built for Expo ’86 in Vancouver, became a beloved landmark in the Cowichan Valley.
But earlier this year, it was taken down after a report revealed that repairing its aging Douglas fir-glulam wood structure would cost a staggering $1.5 million.
After falling into disrepair, it became clear that this piece of local history could no longer stand in its original form.
Soon after, Bart Robertson, owner of Maxwell’s Autoparts and Genuine Collectibles in Shawnigan Lake decided to step in. Robertson saw an opportunity to give the hockey stick a second life.
Robertson began carefully cutting the original wood into thin wafers and laser-engraving them with images of the landmark.
The result? A limited-edition collection of keychain fobs that feature small, yet meaningful pieces of the historic hockey stick.
Each keychain is about the size of a Toonie and includes bits from the puck, blade wrapping, and other parts of the stick. It’s a unique and tangible way for fans to hold onto a part of BC’s hockey heritage.
For those that have yet to get their hands on one, no worries! You can sign up to be notified when the product is back in stock.
Whether you’re a hockey fan, a proud Vancouver Islander, or just someone who appreciates the value of landmarks, these keychains are a perfect way to carry a bit of the Cowichan Hockey Stick with you wherever you go.
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