The Original Hockey Hall of Fame has three winter traditions each year - that we are very proud to be associated with. 

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The Historic Hockey Series started in 1969 and has been played in downtown Kingston for over 50 years to demonstrate the rules and equipment that were used in the first local game in 1886 between Queen's and RMC. 

 

The Carr-Harris game between Queen's and RMC Men's varsity hockey teams began in 1986 and remains a highlight on the local hockey calendar.

 

The Bill Fitsell Memorial awards are handed out at the Carr-Harris game to top graduating players from both teams and           the Red Barons award is given to a top graduating member of the Queen's Women's hockey team.   

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CARR-HARRIS GAME 2026

"The World's Oldest Hockey Rivalry" continued on Saturday February 7th between the Queen's Gaels and the RMC Paladins in the Carr-Harris game at the Slush Puppie Place. This year marked 140 years since the first local game in 1886 between the schools that took place on the Kingston waterfront.  This version of the Carr-Harris matchup had a packed house with the usual great atmosphere and was one of the best in recent memory that required overtime to decide a winner. Queen's had the early advantage with a 2-1 lead after the first period and a 3-2 advantage after 40 minutes. But the Paladins would press and finally score the equalizer with a goal by Bruce Coltart with just over three minutes left in regulation time.  In the extra period it would not take long to decide as Derek Hamilton scored on a two on one break just 26 seconds into overtime. Ian Lemieux of Queen's was selected as the Gaels Most Valuable Player of the game. 

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BILL FITSELL AND RED BARONS AWARDS 2026

The 2026 Red Barons Award was handed out for the fourth year at the Queen's women game on Saturday February 7th at the Kingston Memorial Centre. This year's recipient was Rebecca Thompson (pictured below, on left). 

 

The Bill Fitsell awards were presented for the fourth time prior to the Carr-Harris game on February 7th before a packed house at the Slush Puppie Place. This year's winners were Kolton Cousins from Queen's (pictured below, center) and Brock McNaughton from RMC (pictured below, right). The awards are presented to the top graduating player, as selected by their head coach, that best demonstrates work ethic, leadership on and off the ice, academic achievement, community involvement and sportsmanship.​

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   Red Barons winner - Rebecca Thompson                    Kolton Cousins from Queen's                     Brock McNaughton from RMC

 

 

HISTORIC HOCKEY SERIES 2026

On January 24th, the 56th Annual Historic Hockey Series took place at Springer Market Square.  For the first time in three years, the games were played outdoors on a cold day but it turned out to be a great setting for hockey using the 1886 rules. 

The robin series matches teams from Queen's, RMC and RCHA Petawawa.  Queen's and RMC of course represent the two original rivals that faced off on the Kingston Harbour back in 1886. The team from RCHA Petawawa is comprised of active duty military personnel that represent the Garrison soldiers stationed in Kingston  that played hockey in the 1886 era as well.

 

In 2026, the 2RCHA team from Petawawa came out on top of the series to capture the RCHA Brigade Trophy as champions (see picture below, middle). The series MVP and winner of the Len Coyle Trophy was James Neely from the gunners from 2RCHA (see picture below, right). Thanks goes out from the Original  Hockey Hall of Fame to Downtown Kingston staff who greatly contributed to the organization of the event. Each participating player received a special Historic Hockey medallion as a keepsake.

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In recent years, we have included members of CFB Kingston community to be part of our event.  At this years games we were able to have  LCol Cindy Legarie and CWO Lori Flowers on hand to drop the puck at a ceremonial faceoff between the military related teams from RCHA Petawawa and the Royal Military College. See the picture below (left).  There are military ties to the roots of hockey that even pre-date the first local game in 1886. The first ever written reference to the word "hockey" was made in 1843 by a soldier stationed at Fort Henry. 

 

Kevin Lebelle has served as the main referee for Historic Hockey for several years and the Original Hockey Hall of Fame was able to pay special thanks to him for all of his efforts with a presentation at the post-game reception. Kevin was also instrumental in securing a generous donation from the Pittsburgh Lions Club which greatly helped offset this years costs associated with Historic Hockey.   

 

 

 

 

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