Pictures from some of the top stories of the year in local sports, from honouring legacies, to celebrating achievements, and hosting prominent events in the community. (File photos/battlefordsNOW)

By Martin Martinson

2023 Highlights, Top Stories

Reflecting back on the past year in local sports: Part 1

Dec 26, 2023 | 5:00 AM

As 2023 nears its end, battlefordsNOW is reflecting back on some of the top stories from the year in local sports. Below is Part 1/2 in this series.

Colby Cave’s jersey enshrined in pre-game ceremony at Battleford Arena

It was a full barn at Battleford Arena on Jan. 8, 2023, for a special pregame ceremony ahead of the U15 AA NorthWest Stars’ game versus the U15 Moose Jaw Warriors.

The Stars held a special presentation revealing the Colby Cave #26 jersey from his time with the NHL’s Boston Bruins, which was retired BMHA-wide and hung on the wall at the arena in memory of the local hockey icon… Read more here.

Gregg Sheppard named to Bruins’ Top 100

Helping hand

Big red sleigh brings holiday spirit to kick off Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund

12h ago

Battlefords North Stars

Big performance from Maric ends Red Wings win streak

14h ago

Riderville

Shades of 2007

Nov 15, 2024

In celebration of their 100^th anniversary season, the Boston Bruins announced a list of the 100 most legendary players in franchise history, with one name, in particular, standing out to hockey fans in the Battlefords, in hometown local Gregg Sheppard.

Sheppard registered 375 points (155 goals, 220 assists) over 416 regular season games donning the Bruins’ iconic ‘spoked-B’ through the lion’s share of the 1970s, helping the team to three Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 1974, 1977, and 1978… Read more here.

Battlefords local, Wheler reflects on call to Sask Hockey Hall

From his early years as a teenager officiating games in the Western Hockey League to his time in the National Hockey League, working the Stanley Cup Final, and even the Olympics, hockey has made for a career for the books for Battleford’s Mark Wheler, who can now add Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Famer as the latest chapter.

Wheler, a veteran of 1,846 NHL games over the regular season and playoffs in a career spanning from 1992-2018 was one of four individuals – along with one family and one team – to be inducted into the Sask Hockey Hall with the Class of 2023, at this year’s Induction Ceremony in Meadow Lake… Read more here.

Remembering ‘Mr. Baseball’ Bob Colliar

Robert (Bob) Colliar passed away with family by his side on July 31 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of a life lived in the community. Colliar was a former Mayor of Meota and a member of Meota Village Council for over 25 years, in addition to being named North Battleford Citizen of the Year in 1993.

Sports were always a large part of life for Colliar, as reflected in his involvement in both community hockey and baseball teams throughout his life… Read more here.

Mosquito First Nation hosts 2023 Youth Soccer Championships

Over 1,200 players from 77 teams representing 16 different First Nations communities across the province came to North Battleford this summer, as Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation hosted the 2023 FSIN Youth Soccer Championships.

It was a packed three-day event, with opening ceremonies at the Nationswest Fieldhouse, a youth dance at the Northland Power Curling Centre, fireworks, and a drive-in movie among the attractions… Read more.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1