A ROAD TRIP LIKE NO OTHER

FOR THE HAIDA GWAII ISLANDERS, AN ARCHIPELAGO-BASED RAGTAG TEAM WITHOUT A RINK TO CALL THEIR OWN, THE ANNUAL TREK TO MAINLAND B.C. FOR A WEEKEND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT ISN’T ABOUT WINNING OR LOSING – IT’S MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT

BY RONNIE SHUKER

THE HECATE STRAIT lies between the Haida Gwaii archipelago and mainland British Columbia at the tail end of the Yellowhead Highway, the northern route of the Trans-Canada Highway. Named after the Greek goddess of witchcraft and sorcery, its shallow waters, strong currents and high winds are a witch’s brew that can turn a smooth 80-mile ferry crossing into a rollicking ride of toppled-over vending machines, flying saucers and frisbee plates in the cafeteria kitchen. Modern maritime technology has managed to tame much of the Hecate’s fury, but it can still make for blue-faced seasickness (one of the route’s vessels is nicknamed the ‘Vomit Comet’), a long delay or even cancellation if the waves get too high. WE HAD A REALLY CALM CROSSING, WHICH WAS GREAT. THAT KIND OF SHOWED THAT THE…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, World Juniors Special 2025

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