43rd Battle of the Little Big Puck: The Friendship Game

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Marcus Day

Maple Creek News

After 43 years, the spirit of friendship, unity and respect in Maple Creek’s premier gala event lives on.

When he co-founded the Battle of the Little Big Puck, Tom Reardon didn’t foresee its long-lasting appeal.

Today he remains in thrall to its magic as much as any spectator.

“It is one of the best days of the year,” he said.

On Saturday evening, Reardon was among a big crowd that packed Maple Creek Community Arena for the latest on-ice “battle” between rodeo cowboys and residents of Nekaneet First Nation.

How many came? Estimates ranged between 500 and 700, maybe slightly down on 2025.

For first-timers, the attendance was staggering.

“I can’t believe how many people are here,” said Patience Simons, known as Jasper, who arrived in Maple Creek nearly two years ago from Malawi in East Africa. “I’ve never seen the arena this full. I’m so glad I came.”

Although much of the focus is on pageantry, culture and hockey, the significance of the event as a fundraiser comes clear during the after-game ceremony.

Michelle McKenzie, the mayor of Maple Creek, announced that $7,373 had been raised for the Southwest Trust Board and Thundering Hills Athletics; each received $3,686.50.

McKenzie presented giant cheques to representatives from each group.

It was the high point of an evening that began at 6pm when the doors opened and the first $10 admission fee for those aged 12 and over was taken. By that time, the parking lot was filling up fast.

Among the first people to greet new arrivals were Lyndi Duffee and Brett Wagner, seated at a table, selling tickets for a quad.

The Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation also had a booth in the lobby, selling 50-50 tickets and promoting its work. Since its inception in 1999, the foundation has provided more than $17 million in funding to the former Cypress Health Region for equipment, construction and training needs, helping to improve the quality and availability healthcare in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Seated opposite the foundation tables were Judy Mosquito and Yvette Duquette, selling hoodies and T-shirts commemorating the Battle of the Little Big Puck. They carried a sign saying merchandise was only for sale after the puck drop at 7.30pm.

The reason? They believed the merchandise would be gone too quickly, such is its popularity.

“Next year we hope to bring more,” said Judy.

Robert Delorme, a fixture in the announcing booth for the “Battle”, invited people to stand, and gentlemen to remove cover, for the opening ceremony, which saw young flag-bearing skaters circle the rink as O Canada was sung.

Delorme also asked for silence in memory of Wade Bertram and Lawrence Robertson, two names closely associated with the Battle of the Little Big Puck.

Bertram, a cowboy, played in the first game in 1979, and Robertson was a referee at the event for about 25 years.

The game then got under way. One of the officials was Gary Packard, who recalls officiating in the inaugural game in 1979. He still plays rec hockey, enabling him to be fit enough to stay with the action.

After two periods, the cowboys had a 7-3 lead. During the break, players traded their hockey gear for attire reflecting their heritage and culture.

For the cowboys it meant donning chaps, western hats, and plaid shirts, while the Indians painted their faces and wore traditional garments, including headdresses, animal hides, tassels and beads.

The wearing of regalia represents the essence of the occasion – mutual respect for different traditions. Members of the public are welcome to enter changing rooms to witness the players transform themselves.

Against the white of the ice, the colourful garb sparkled and shone in stark relief.

Before play resumed, teams took part in a round dance as Delvin Stanley, standing on the edge of the rink, banged a drum.

It was then back to the action. The cowboys held on to their lead, with Tate Beck and Garrett Harrigan helping themselves to hat-tricks in an 11-6 win. For the Indians, Wacey Watson was the star, scoring four times, his skill lighting up the arena.

In the final minute, all players went out onto the rink as multiple pucks were scattered across the ice. There were smiles and handshakes all round.

Hard to believe it, but another “Battle” had ended without a fight.

Friendship, unity and respect had triumphed again.