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Shawnigan breaks the ice
The official opening of the Charlie Purdey Arena
A fresh sheet of ice lay waiting for young rivals, as Shawnigan officially opened the Charlie Purdey Arena.
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Two years after breaking ground on the state-of-the-art facility, Shawnigan's top hockey team welcomed the Burnaby Winter Club for a Friday night showcase to christen the new rink.
On the ice, Burnaby held on for a nailbiting 2-1 victory, despite desperate pressure from the hosts throughout a scoreless final period.
In the stands, about 400 enthusiastic fans packed the bleachers and upstairs viewing areas, energizing the home team and the evening's festivities.
Shawnigan Board Member Andrew Purdey, a driving force behind the new arena, says his late brother would have been touched have had the arena named after him, and to know that those who use it will always be given the opportunity to try their best, regardless of their circumstances or the odds against them.
"This is the lesson that matters to our entire family," Purdey says. "Winning by a goal or two is not the definition of success. Being all you can be in the face of uncertainty is."
The Charlie Purdey Arena still has an action-packed weekend ahead, as Shawnigan hosts a showcase for CSSHL Bantam Prep teams.
The evening also launched Shawnigan's Centennial Founder's Day Weekend, as alumni and guests visit their former home and celebrate the School's 100th birthday.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
