Families play ice hockey on Inks Lake in Kamloops beginning of January.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Peter Olsen
January 15, 2025 - 6:00 AM
While it might not look like winter in the valley bottoms in Kamloops and the Okanagan, there are lots of icy lakes and snowy landscapes to enjoy further up the mountains.
Well-known Kamloops photographer Peter Olsen captured winter fun on mountain lakes in the Kamloops area this month, including a rousing game of pond hockey.
Pond hockey is a historical and cultural pastime for Canadians with origins that date back before European settlers arrived in the country according to Ice Hockey Central.
Indigenous people across Canada played games like shinny and lacrosse on frozen ponds, using sticks to shoot frozen pieces of animal bones or wooden pucks into goals.
Snowshoers are seen enjoying trails around McConnell Lake in Kamloops beginning of January.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Peter Olsen
European settlers brought their own versions of the game and in the mid 1800s, British soldiers stationed in Nova Scotia first played hockey on frozen ponds. Eventually various versions of the game merged to make hockey.
In 1877 the first official hockey rules were created by Montreal Winter Carnival Committee, and in 1886 the first amateur hockey association was established.
In 1909, the National Hockey Association league was formed and a few years later the NHL became the premier professional league for Canada, quickly expanding into the United States.
Six teams formed the league from 1942 to 1967 when six more teams were added, and today there are 32.
READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: Winter birds fluff up for warmth in Kamloops, Okanagan
There are many residents with fond memories of growing up playing pond hockey, with families in Kamloops and the Okanagan taking advantage of outdoor spaces in the higher elevations.
If you have photos of skating on your favourite local pond, please share them with news@infonews.ca .
Families enjoy skating at Stuart Park in Kelowna in January.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Mona Ferguson
Families are enjoying skating and playing pond hockey on the outdoor rink at Big White Mountain Resort in January.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Facebook/ Rachel Fantin Drafi
Kids play hockey on Brewers Pond at SilverStar Mountain Resort in January.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Facebook/ SilverStar Mountain Resort
Outdoor enthusiasts play hockey at the ice rink at SilverStar Mountain Resort.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Facebook/ Explore North Okanagan
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