‘Ottawa’ Capital Facts: The Early Origins of ‘Shinney’ in Ottawa
In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, the Citizen is rolling out one fact each day for 150 days until July 1, highlighting the odd, the fascinating and the important bits of Ottawa history you might not know about.
The Shinty Medallion is among Ottawa’s oldest sporting prizes. Although it’s been debated, shinty or “shinney” is described by some historians as an early variation of hockey, played with or without skates, and typically reserved for those who could not afford curling or cricket. On Christmas Day 1852, the Bytown and New Edinburgh Shinty Club engaged the Ottawa Club on the Thomas McKay estate, which is now the grounds of Rideau Hall. New Edinburgh won 2-1, and McKay presented silver medallions to the victors.
— Alison Mah
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