The sport of hockey is set to be celebrated through a unique lens later this month at Abbotsford鈥檚 .
The at the are presenting the exhibit at the site, with an opening launch on March 29.
Organizers state that the exhibit has been curated to challenge the visitor to interrogate who the 鈥渨e鈥� is in Canadian hockey and the particular meanings of a very personal attachment to its iconic status for Canadians across the country.
The exhibit has been created as a counter narrative to Canadian ice hockey as a 鈥榳hites only鈥� sport. Curated on the experiences of peoples of colour, it aims challenges the linear meaning of hockey as Canada鈥檚 national sport.
According to SASI director Satwinder Bains, the exhibit features artifacts, memorabilia, photographs and stories that have great historical breadth reflecting the often conflicted laden Canadian responses to players of colour.
鈥淭hese players have often been relegated to the margins in favour of a popular understanding of hockey as a white man鈥檚 game,鈥� Bains said.
She added she hopes to see all types of hockey fans at the free exhibit.
鈥淚鈥檓 hoping people come and broaden their horizons and understand this is an iconic sport but it has its dark history as well and they understand our role in not just talking about south asians but of all people of all backgrounds to find a common humanity and to carry on the fight against racism and discrimination,鈥� she said. 鈥淗ockey is often celebratory but there is a dark underbelly that needs to be discussed as well.鈥�
Items include a Manny Malhotra game-worn jersey, a timeline and history of players of colour in ice hockey, a centre stage set up for , and much more.
The opening reception on March 29 includes a Canucks Community Partnership, featuring a visit by Fin and giveaways. Special guests include Harnarayan Singh and Randip Janda from Hockey Night in Canada鈥檚 Punjabi edition.
The event kicks off at 5 p.m. on March 29, and will run for approximately one year at the temple.
