How the Canadian government is celebrating Manitoba's Tackaberry skate
The Government of Canada has recognized the historic significance of a Manitoban contribution to the sport of hockey.
The "Tack," or Tackaberry skate, was invented by Brandon shoemaker George Tackaberry in 1905. Its innovative 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.
Grant Buckoski, president of Spartan Sports, said the skate was an immediate hit.
"For the first probably 30 years it was the number one skate in Canada, and then it had a competitor. But it's been either one or two for the last 50 years," he said.
Buckoski said the Tackaberry was the first type of skate he ever sold at his store.
"This is our 40th season, and we've been handling the Tack skate for the full 40 years."
The design was purchased by CCM in 1937. Buckoski said it's incredible the skate has lasted this long.
"The CCM company has gone through quite a few different ownerships. When these ownerships faded, the skate kept on going," he said.
The Government of Canada has now recognized the invention of the Tackaberry skate as "an event of national historic significance" under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration.
“Tackaberry skates have a significant place in Canadian sport history and are worthy of recognition, both as an example of innovation and as an object that connects to the lived experience of many Canadians,” said Jenny Ellison with the Canadian Museum of History in a news release.
Buckoski said he loves to talk about the skate with CCM reps and customers.
"My dad had a pair of Tackaberrys, and they were a low-cut boot," he said. "And you could see that the tendon guard, the longer strip on the back of the skate was added at a later date. Eventually, it became all in one."
He added that it's still a popular skate in our province.
"In our business here, it's our number one seller. It's definitely at the top of the list for Manitobans."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.