Just ahead of Remembrance Day, Historica Canada has launched a new Heritage Minute that explores a unique story of service and sacrifice.
"Winnipeg Falcons" is about a team of Icelandic-Canadians who served in WWI before bringing home the very first gold medal in Olympic hockey. It stars Jared Keeso ("19-2") and is narrated in English by George Stroumboulopoulos, and in French by Pierre Houde, the voice of the Montreal Canadiens.
According to Historica Canada, the Falcons team was made up almost entirely of players of Icelandic heritage, many of whom lived in the community around Winnipeg’s Sargent Avenue. The team was just beginning to experience success when the First World War broke out. By 1916, most players had enlisted. Konnie Johannesson and Hockey Hall of Famer Frank Fredrickson trained as pilots in Egypt. Hebbie Axford earned a Distinguished Flying Cross. Two Falcons died during the war’s final year -- Frank ‘Buster’ Thorsteinson and George Cumbers.
Historica Canada re-launched Heritage Minutes in 2012 after a hiatus of nearly eight years.
Check out our other favourite Heritage Minutes below.