Government of Canada recognizes the national historic significance of Tackaberry Skates

A Canadian innovation, George Tackaberry’s namesake hockey skates were game changers

October 19, 2022                          Ottawa, Ontario                Parks Canada Agency

National historic designations reflect the rich and varied heritage of our country and provide opportunities for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history. A Canadian innovation, George Tackaberry’s namesake hockey skates forever changed one of the sport’s most important pieces of equipment.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the designation of Tackaberry Skates as an event of national historic significance under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration.

In 1905, Brandon, Manitoba, shoemaker George E. Tackaberry’s neighbour – future Stanley Cup Champion and Hall of Famer Joe Hall – asked him to develop a better boot for his skate, one that would withstand the strain and stress of a full season of hockey. Tackaberry’s design used a moisture-resistant kangaroo hide that would not stretch, lowered the boot’s top edge, reinforced the heel and toe, and improved the arch support. The redesigned boots were so successful that Hall flooded Tackaberry with orders from his teammates after just the first season of use. It was not long before Tackaberry’s shoe repair business in Brandon was dedicated to producing boots for hockey players.

Tackaberry’s improved boot came at a time when hockey was transitioning from an amateur to a professional sport. Better boots improved on-ice performance and professional players looked for any advantage they could get, including by investing in higher quality equipment. In 1927, Canada Cycle & Motor Company (CCM) took over the entirety of Tackaberry’s shop for production, and started to sell skate blades that were attached to the Tackaberry boot. Although the attached blade was already being used by some skaters, CCM’s quality blade in combination with the Tackaberry boot made for a superior skate. Tackaberry’s production continued to be exclusive for CCM blades until his death in 1937. CCM bought the design from Tackaberry’s wife and produced ‘Tacks’ as the company’s signature skate through the 20th century.

The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that have shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada’s past and present.

The designation process under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,200 designations have been made nationwide. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc/ncp-pcn/application.

                                                                                                            -30-