The M&E Dispatch - 025

Hello Everyone,

On Wednesday the Trail Smoke Eaters hockey club celebrated their 75th anniversary and in a way celebrating the legacy that the mining industry has provided for that area.

The Cominco arena still serves its famous Italian sausage sandwiches, a decades-long tradition in the area. The buns and sausages are locally made by the Ferraros, a hockey dynasty family, and served at the concession stand by volunteers, many of whom are retired Cominco employees.

You really need to have one should you get the chance.

The arena itself has a remarkable history. Cominco, which did not pay taxes to the city of Trail until 1971, had long contributed to the community in other ways. In the late 1940s, the refinery's management formed a "projects society," matching every dollar donated by its employees to fund a new recreational facility.

Through this initiative, Cominco provided $1.2 million for the hockey rink, which was then gifted to the people of Trail. Residents also contributed their own funds and labor—wheelbarrowing dirt, bricklaying, and volunteering to help complete the project.

By the time it opened in 1949, Cominco Arena had become the pride of Trail, a venue that averaged 2,750 spectators per game in its early years and was, at the time, the largest and most modern facility in the interior of B.C.

Like many small towns, the “Memorial” arenas built during that time helped resurrect a sense of community that was lost to the war. And what a sense of community it did build. The Smoke Eaters are still to this day a very proud and supported team, which, like Trail, is full of heritage and mining lore.

Congratulations to the Smoke Eaters on 75 years.

// The Dirt

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Like I say every dispatch, please let me know if you have something to share and I’ll help you get it out there. Many of you have replied and that makes my job a bit easier, in fact there’s 2 of you in the above list of links. Thank you for reaching out!

As we head into the weekend I’m reminded of this quote from the movie “Lone Survivor” and with the end of 2024 rapidly approaching I feel it fitting.

Our industries are making moves, the global market is moving faster and faster and we’re out there doing what we can for our families, loved ones and friends.

Get after it.

- Lee