The roots of Canada's hockey passion are deep, rich and surprisingly complex in countless places across the country.
Places like Pembroke, Ontario.
The long, storied history of Pembroke's beloved Lumber Kings is a stirring examples of how the drama, the struggles, the triumphs and disappointments of one town's team can, over decades, lift hearts, build bridges and sustain the bonds of community.
Lumber Kings Lore:
"I was a huge fan of the Lumber Kings. I thought it was far better hockey than the NHL, and the Giesebrechts were my Gordie Howe and Rocket Richard." The Right Honourable Paul Martin
"I took my cage off thinking that is what you had to do. He kept his cage on and beat the snot out of me." P.J Stock
"I often kidded Bryan Murray that he had me to thank for his NHL career because I'm the one who got him fired in Pembroke." Warnie Richardson, Pembroke Lumber Kings Captain, 1978
"The game and the goal were incredible but this is the night I truly learned the privilege it was to be part of such a special hockey community in Pembroke. Life changing, as it turns out." Sheldon Keefe