President and Vice-Chancellor, Cape Breton University

It is an honour to contribute to Beyond the Ice in Atlantic Canada: Creating Hockey Connections, Relationships and Empowering Communities. This work captures the heart of a sport that has long been interwoven into the fabric of our culture and community life.

At Cape Breton University (CBU), hockey has always been more than a game; it is a thread that binds generations, builds resilience, and strengthens community ties. Our commitment to sport, to community development, and to the health and well-being of our people is reflected in every stride we have taken — none more significant than the revitalization of the Kehoe Forum, formerly known as the Canada Games Complex.

The Canada Games Complex has been a cornerstone of CBU’s history since its construction for the 1987 Canada Winter Games. As a Member of Parliament during that time, I along with so many other community leaders were deeply involved in advocating for this facility, understanding even then how critical such infrastructure would be for our community’s future.

After over 35-years of service to our community, it became clear that the facility required new life, new vision, and a renewed purpose. Today, through a determined and collective effort, the Kehoe Forum stands as a beacon for sport, health, and community engagement in Cape Breton.

Our investment in the Forum — a state-of-the-art venue now serving as a home for female hockey and para-sport — is about more than facilities. It is about fairness, equity, and creating opportunities for all. We recognized that young women, particularly in hockey, deserved better: better ice times, better facilities, and better recognition. With dedicated spaces, inclusive programming, and a strong focus on accessibility, we are helping to redefine the landscape of sport in Canada.

The revitalization of the Forum also represents a broader commitment to the health and wellness of our communities. Sport is a proven catalyst for physical, mental, and social well-being. By offering a space that promotes active living, hosts major events, and encourages the next generation of athletes, CBU is helping to foster stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities across the region.

The journey to this point was not without its challenges. There were moments when the future was uncertain, but a shared belief in the power of sport and community prevailed. Today, the Kehoe Forum symbolizes what can be achieved when vision, persistence, and community spirit come together.

CBU’s continued investment in sport, health, and community development is not just a strategy — it is a responsibility. We are proud to play a leading role in nurturing the traditions that have shaped our past while creating the opportunities that will define our future.

To all those who lace up their skates, who cheer from the stands, who coach, mentor, and dream — this book, and this movement, is for you.

Yours very truly,

The Honourable David C. Dingwall, P.C., K.C., ICD.D
President and Vice-Chancellor
Cape Breton University