Imagine a place where future hockey legends are forged, where the ice echoes with the dreams of young athletes, and where three of the brightest stars in the sport call home. That place is the North Shore Winter Club in North Vancouver, a breeding ground for extraordinary talent that’s turning heads across the hockey world. But here’s where it gets fascinating: this isn’t just about luck or coincidence—it’s about a community, a culture, and a relentless drive to excel.
On a bustling Friday afternoon in November, the club’s halls were alive with the sound of kids dragging their hockey bags, their eyes sparkling with ambition. This members-only haven, rooted in the 1950s, boasts four pristine ice surfaces where players of all ages refine their skills. Add to that a state-of-the-art gym and courts for tennis and pickleball, and you’ve got a recipe for athletic greatness. But what truly sets this place apart is its alumni wall, a testament to the stars who’ve skated here—including three of the game’s brightest: Chloe Primerano, Macklin Celebrini, and Connor Bedard.
And this is the part most people miss: All three could be wearing the Canadian jersey at the Olympics this February. Primerano, an 18-year-old defensive powerhouse at the University of Minnesota, is on track to become one of Team Canada’s youngest Olympians since Marie-Philip Poulin in 2010. Celebrini and Bedard? They’re not just NHL players—they’re back-to-back first overall draft picks, dominating the league with their skill and tenacity. But their journey began here, on this ice, in this community.
Here’s the controversial question: Is North Vancouver becoming the new hockey hotbed, especially for women’s hockey? With the Vancouver Goldeneyes joining the PWHL this season, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. The region’s growth in women’s hockey is undeniable, and the North Shore Winter Club is at the heart of it. Players like Nina Jobst-Smith, drafted 19th overall by the Goldeneyes, train here in the off-season, proving that this club isn’t just producing stars—it’s shaping the future of the sport.
But what’s the secret sauce? According to Kyle Turris, the club’s general manager and a retired NHLer who grew up here, it’s the community. “All three of them are very special talents,” Turris said. “It’s neat for all of the minor hockey kids to see that and learn from it.” The club actively fosters a culture of mentorship, bringing alumni back to inspire the next generation. It’s a cycle of excellence that keeps giving.
Take Chloe Primerano, for example. She started playing boys’ hockey at the club, even teaming up with Celebrini in peewee. After switching to women’s hockey, she became a point-scoring machine for the RINK Hockey Academy before dominating college hockey. Her skating, shot, and hockey IQ are unmatched, but it’s her relentless drive that truly sets her apart. Cole Todd, her former coach, recalls, “She’s hard on herself, but in a healthy way. She holds herself accountable because she wants to be the best.”
But here’s the real kicker: Primerano’s rise coincides with an explosion of opportunities for female players. The PWHL, the Goldeneyes, and grassroots programs like the North Shore Avalanche are creating pathways that didn’t exist a decade ago. Jobst-Smith puts it perfectly: “The more each organization can bring people in and make hockey feel like a community, the more people we’re going to have playing hockey.”
Then there’s Celebrini and Bedard, two players who’ve taken the NHL by storm. Todd, who’s watched them grow, describes their bond as inseparable. “They’re best friends off the ice and on it,” he said. “They push each other to be better every day.” Their friendship and rivalry are a testament to the club’s culture of competition and camaraderie.
But here’s the question that divides opinions: Can their success be replicated? Or is there something unique about North Vancouver’s hockey ecosystem? While talent is universal, the support system here—from coaching to facilities to community—is unparalleled. It’s a model other clubs could learn from, but it’s also a reminder that greatness often thrives in specific environments.
As we watch Primerano, Celebrini, and Bedard chase Olympic dreams, one thing is clear: the North Shore Winter Club isn’t just producing stars—it’s redefining what’s possible. So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: What role does community play in shaping athletic greatness? And could your local club be the next North Shore Winter Club? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
