Cypress River Gardens 50th Anniversary - a weekend celebration full of cheers
If your most cherished childhood memories involve growing up in a local rink, chances are you’re Canadian. Cypress River – situated near the very heart of the country – is no exception. For many, those memories don’t fade with childhood; they continue well into adulthood. So, when it came time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cypress River Gardens, the local rink board made sure it was an unforgettable occasion—and they certainly delivered!
The weekend was filled with community spirit and nostalgia, as many reflected on hockey games, ice shows, and curling bonspiels (which date back to 1900), as well as lifelong friendships made within those walls. Kudos to the rink board for organizing not only a fun-filled weekend of games and draws but also a heartfelt tribute to Florent Robidoux, retiring his NHL Chicago Blackhawks jersey.
There was action in every corner of the rink, from the ever-popular Crokicurl event to Saturday evening’s hockey matchup between the Coyotes and Holland Rockets.
Sunday brought even more excitement, with U9 and U7 hockey games. For the U7 players, this game will always hold a special place in their hearts, as it was their first-ever “full ice” experience. One excited player was overheard saying, “We get to play full ice! My cousin told me I wouldn’t get to do that until I was like 11 years old!”
Sunday also boasted another historic moment, as last year’s Crokicurl champions, Team CRAD – Chad Wytinck and Brad Anderson – claimed top honors once again, defeating Jeremy and Ren Truelove. This makes Team CRAD the first team to win back-to-back gold on that rink.
And just like any Canadian living room on a Saturday night, the Club Room’s big screen TV was tuned into the Jets vs. St. Louis game. But while the game itself was entertaining, the real cheers erupted during the first intermission when “To the Point” featured a segment on Florent Robidoux’s career highlights and the retirement of his jersey. During his speech at the ceremony, an overwhelmed Robidoux reflected on the surreal moment: “I was watching the game while my wife, Christine, was getting ready, but I muted it during intermission. Then I looked up and saw my photo on the screen – man, I couldn’t believe it. I was stunned.”
There were plenty of winners throughout the weekend – 50/50 draws, board games, hockey matchups, and Crokicurl champions – but judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces and the laughter echoing through the Gardens, it’s safe to say that everyone in attendance walked away a winner.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend. The support from the community, the volunteers, and everyone who attended made this celebration truly special – beyond what we ever imagined,” said Brenny Richmond, President of the Rink Board, as he reflected on the event while working behind the bar.
Here’s to 50 incredible years – and Cheers to many more to come!
PHOTO CAPTION: Saturday evenings hockey game between the Cypress Coyotes and Holland Rockets featured Florent Robidoux as the guest referee. All who attended the activities on Saturday evening also received a “Florent Robidoux” hockey card. Truly a great celebration!
