PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — The City of Prince Albert has received a $25,000 donation from the Schrader family toward the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre, marking both a significant community contribution and a tribute to one of Saskatchewan’s most respected hockey officials, Barry Schrader.
In recognition of the donation, Officials Room #1 in the new twin arenas will be named the Barry Schrader Officials Room, honouring a man whose name has become synonymous with integrity and mentorship in the province’s officiating community.
Honouring a Lifetime of Dedication
For more than four decades, Barry Schrader has been a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s hockey officiating scene. A dual Hall of Fame inductee—both as a team member and as an individual—Schrader has officiated over 7,000 games and mentored countless referees in Prince Albert and beyond.
Known for his professionalism and leadership, Schrader was twice recognized as the province’s “Most Deserving Official,” in 1993 and again in 2012. Beyond the accolades, his influence has extended deeply into the development of future officials, including members of his own family.
His son, Bob Schrader, continued the family tradition by officiating at every level of the game, including the Western Hockey League (WHL). That legacy now carries into a third generation: all five of Barry’s grandchildren are active referees, with one recently attending a WHL officiating camp.
Champion for Inclusion and Mentorship
Schrader’s impact has gone beyond the rink and score sheet. He has been a driving force in promoting opportunities for women in hockey officiating, helping open doors at national and international levels. Several female referees under his mentorship have gone on to achieve recognition at elite tournaments, including the Olympic Games.
“Barry’s lifelong dedication to the sport and his mentorship of others has made an extraordinary impact,” said Dawn Kilmer, City Councillor. “The Schrader family donation and naming of the Officials’ room is a perfect fit for this family’s legacy.”
Kilmer’s remarks reflect the deep appreciation within the Prince Albert community for Schrader’s decades-long service—not only as an official but as a mentor who championed inclusion and professionalism in the sport.
A Legacy Built on Commitment and Community
The City of Prince Albert confirmed that the naming recognition for the Barry Schrader Officials Room will remain in place for at least ten years. The decision underscores the city’s commitment to honouring individuals whose contributions extend far beyond personal achievement to shaping community values and opportunities for others.
The Schrader family’s $25,000 gift is part of the city’s broader Play it Forward Campaign, a fundraising initiative designed to support the construction of the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre.
Set to become a $117 million, state-of-the-art recreation complex, the facility represents one of the most ambitious public infrastructure investments in northern Saskatchewan. It will include twin ice arenas, aquatics facilities, fitness spaces, and multipurpose community areas—an anchor for sport, recreation, and economic development in the region.
Supporting the Future of Sport in Prince Albert
City officials say community partnerships like the Schrader family donation are key to realizing the project’s full potential. Contributions not only help fund construction but also strengthen the connection between residents and the facility’s long-term vision.
“The Schrader family’s support through the Play it Forward Campaign exemplifies how local partnerships can make lasting impacts,” said a City spokesperson. “Barry Schrader’s name will continue to inspire the next generation of officials and athletes who walk through those arena doors.”
As construction continues on the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre, the city says the new facility will serve as a hub for both amateur and competitive sports, fostering participation and pride across the region.
For the Schrader family, the donation is more than a financial contribution—it is a gesture that cements a lifelong legacy of service, mentorship, and love for the game.
The City of Prince Albert has extended its heartfelt thanks to the Schrader family for their generosity and for helping bring the new leisure centre closer to reality.
