From Calgary Chaos to Kindersley Camaraderie: Small-Town Adventures and My First Hockey Game

Saturday, November 9: Sleepless in Calgary and Unexpected Adventures in Kindersley

It was a rough night at the hostel in Calgary, with six beds fully occupied and two snorers competing for the title of loudest dormmate. To add to the chaos, one of the bunk occupants decided the stairs needed thorough testing at ungodly hours. Safe to say, I was less than rested when Antonia and I hit the road. I was more than fascinated over that the road were so straight, just as straight in real life as on the map.

Antonia faced a long drive ahead to Saskatoon, but I hopped off in Kindersley, a small town located in west-central Saskatchewan. My attempts to arrange a Workaway stay had been met with miscommunication and confusion. A man I connected with on Facebook was enthusiastic but seemed to think I was planning to start next April. His wife, clearly the voice of reason, called him an idiot, and so I found myself booking into the Kindersley Inn instead.

The lounge was a cozy spot to grab a bite and chat with locals. I quickly befriended the bartender, who kindly offered me a ride to another bar in town.

A few games of pool later, I found myself enjoying the small-town camaraderie—a refreshing change from the big-city rush.

Fun Facts About Kindersley
Kindersley is a charming hub with a population of just over 5,000 people. It thrives on agriculture and oil, offering a slice of quintessential prairie life. The town also has a surprising sports history, particularly when it comes to hockey.

Kindersley has hosted several high-profile hockey events, and the local team, the Kindersley Klippers, plays in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). Hockey is more than a pastime here—it’s a way of life.

Sunday, November 10: First Hockey Game and a Mystery of Team Colors

After a slow start to the day, I briefly entertained the idea of going for a swim at the Kindersley Aquatic Centre but opted for something more quintessentially Canadian: my first-ever live hockey game.

The game was electric, even if I had no idea how hockey rules worked. I grabbed a "Clipper Burger" from the concession stand, named in honor of the Kindersley Klippers, and settled into my seat. When I asked Aleshia—the friendly face I’d met the night before—which team was the home side, she confidently told me they were in white.

However, as the game went on, I noticed the scoreboard labeled "Home" for the team in a different color, and the crowd was cheering for them. It turns out even locals can get the teams mixed up sometimes! Regardless, it was exhilarating to watch the puck fly across the ice, players colliding, and the palpable energy of the crowd.

After the game, I joined a couple of guests from the hotel bar for a quiet nightcap. Small towns like Kindersley are known for their early closing times, and true to form, the bar shut its doors by 10 PM when it was clear we were the last ones standing.

Something that also is not normal in Norwegian sense is that you can buy alcohol after the bar has closed and bring it with you.

Reflections on Small-Town Life

Kindersley might be small, but its sense of community and love for hockey are enormous. From the friendly bartenders to the lively hockey game, it was an unexpected but delightful detour. Sometimes, the best travel stories come from places you didn’t plan to visit and people you didn’t expect to meet.

Next up? Figuring out where the road will take me next. Stay tuned!