Bud MacIver learned to skate on a pair of homemade skates his father made for him during the Great Depression and the strides he made through his life are being recognized with a new name for the Blind River Outdoor Rink.
The Town of Blind River sent us the following note explaining the story of how this new name came to be.
Blind River Outdoor Rink has a new name
When you hear MacIver in Blind River, your mind automatically goes to two steadfast ice advocates; Don MacIver and Bud MacIver.
In 1948 Don MacIver was a champion member of Council who promoted the original Blind River indoor arena. This understanding of the importance and passion for ice sports and community in rural Northern Ontario. His son Bud is being honoured at The Blind River ODR thanks to his grandson, Tyler MacIver.
Bud would become passionate about hockey at a young age, learning to play on a pair of homemade skates his father fabricated for him during the Great Depression.
As a young teenager, at the Blind River Continuation School, he would share the role of player and coach, leading the team to the juvenile championship. He would later help lead the Blind River Athletics to several McGovern Trophies. As he moved up the hockey ranks, Bud would play for the Sault Greyhounds, the Orillia Pontiacs and others before signing a contract with the Montreal Canadiens at the age of 18. While injuries would prevent Bud from playing in the NHL, he would play professional hockey in the International Hockey League playing for Detroit, MI and Louisville, KY before returning home to Blind River.
His passion for hockey was only surpassed by his love of family and community.
Grandson Tyler MacIver recently sponsored several enhancements to Blind River’s treasured outdoor rink space. Updated net frames and mesh, welcoming signage, and in 2025, the installation of a dugout-style skate area that will allow users to put their skates on under a structure.
Tyler has been thinking about this for a long time.
“People have come up to me time and time again over the years to tell me stories of my grandfather's kindness and generosity. He was an incredible man who had an immense impact not only on my life but on the lives of many others as well. Bud was always a quiet sponsor and supporter of the community. He wasn't someone who was in front of the camera wanting public validation – he was a humble man who simply enjoyed giving back. It was important to me that he get his due and be recognized for all he has contributed both to local sports as well as community organizations. Renaming the ODR in his name was a great way to honour his legacy."
Mayor Sally Hagman added “Raising three sons in Blind River gave us the opportunity to enjoy recreation—especially hockey. They love the game, as does my husband. When company comes to visit we always ask that they bring their skates. When my grandkids come they know and recognize kids and this is because of the camaraderie in our arena. They connect online and look forward to seeing each other the following year.”
Deputy Mayor Paula Summers: “Our American cottagers LOVE that our arena is thriving. They can not wait to see the Blind River Beavers schedule. It’s amazing seeing them find clothes for the arena to come and watch. So much work goes into our youth and our minor sport programs. It’s nothing short of magic in our facility. A community centre provides so many activities. Our facility has had the experience of hosting a full long-term care evacuation, is a regular spot for seniors groups, sports, health programming, education, social activities…the list goes on”
Summers fondly remembers her husband Bob donating expertise and materials to complete brickwork in the Blind River Beavers locker room of the main arena. “I remember when The Soo Greyhounds found spare sweaters and donated them to us in order to help Blind River during its rebuild phase; those things you don’t forget.”
Tyler states: Hockey is an incredible connector. The multi-generational love of the sport has made it to Tyler’s nephew who has continued the “dollar per goal” tradition. Tyler laughs that his nephew is going to delay his retirement plans.
Director of Facilities and Community Services, Karen Bittner adds “There is an awesome relationship between Blind River and Sault Ste Marie; The Sault and Blind River have so many partnerships whether it be sports, municipal, historical, tourism or economic development related. This project was especially rewarding as it is going to help preserve another layer of history—as well as a longstanding relationship between two ice-loving municipalities.”
The Town of Blind River would like to remind the public that the ODR is a natural ice surface. Once conditions are favourable to create a safe surface, ice-making will begin. Staff are eager to provide this recreation opportunity, however are reliant on cold, rain-free days to begin flooding.