City of Saskatoon to name hockey rink after Gordie Howe

Saskatoon city councillors voted unanimously Monday to rename Kinsmen Arena after the man known as Mr. Hockey.

Gordie Howe will be in the city in February for a fundraiser, and supporters expedited the renaming process for the Kinsmen Arena his arrival in Saskatoon.

Councillor Troy Davies was on the naming committee. 

"It's the least we can do, from a community's perspective is get this naming in for Gordie Howe who is an ambassador to the city and someone I think everyone in the city is proud to say he's from here. So, it's a big deal for us," Davies said.

The new sign won't be ready in time for Howe's visit next month.

Councillor Darren Hill said the city hopes to have the digital renderings of the sign placed at the entrance of the building and on screens inside the arena.

This is the first time a hockey arena in the city has been named for Gordie Howe.

Howe’s name already graces a number of facilities in Saskatoon including a football stadium and campground. There’s also a statue of Howe outside Sasktel Centre.