Jackie (Lamb) Cleaves, a professional figure skater, and Steve Lingren, a professional hockey player to played with teams such as the Victoria Salmon Kings, were honored with the unveiling of plaques in their names at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena’s Wall of Fame.
Local MP, Jean Crowder, came to witness the ceremony alongside family, friends, and community members who came to support and recognize the talents and contributions these two professional athletes have made to the community of Lake Cowichan.
Cleaves says she began skating at eight years old. Once completing high school at Lake Cowichan Secondary, she set out to fulfill a strong desire to teach figure skating to others. Since then Cleaves has skated professionally for “Ice Follies,” travelling the world and delighting audiences with Walt Disney’s “World on Ice” themes.
Lingren began his hockey career in Victoria playing with the Victoria Cougars as a defenseman, and came full circle playing for the Victoria Salmon Kings of the Eastcoast League in 2006/07. He played a total of 25 playoff games for the 1996/97 Hershey Bears team which won the Calder Cup as champions of the American Hockey League.
Mayor Ross Forrest was proud to add these two individuals to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena’s Wall of Fame and said that he hopes this tradition continues into the future. Coun. McGonigle, reminded those in attendance to nominate others who deserve recognition in this manner.