For anyone who grew up in Killam or played hockey in Killam, Gordie Enghoj was a common name and face.
Enghoj was a lifelong resident of Killam who contracted polio at age two. It didn’t kill him, but left him with damage to his brain, and other physical afflictions that left him in chronic pain for the rest of his life.
He couldn’t go to school, but he taught himself to ride a bicycle, and would run errands for people and businesses in the town.
Enghoj also volunteered his time at a number of places, especially the arena, where he learned to skate, and which he and his father helped the community to build.
He was a frequent fixture at the Agriplex, helping in the bowling lanes, swimming pool, and the arena.
Hockey was his special game. He travelled with Killam’s Senior Men’s team, the Indians, where he was given the honourary ‘Team Manager’ title.
When that team folded, Enghoj turned his attention to the Killam Jr. B Wheat Kings, who to this day call him their “Number 1 fan,” and honour him in their program each year.
For both teams, he ran errands, he handled equipment, but most importantly, he offered inspiration.
And whenever the little ones showed up to skate, he’d be there helping out however he could, and supporting and encouraging young skaters.
Enghoj spent his entire life battling against chronic pain and physical obstacles, but it never stopped him from pitching in wherever and whenever he could. During his lifetime in Killam he put in thousands upon thousands of hours of community service.
When Heritage Park underwent an extreme makeover in 2010, the ACE committee was given the task of naming the new bike park, and they dedicated it to Enghoj on the occasion of his 80th birthday, saying, “Gordie is not only a friend to all Killamites, but he is also a role model for our children, and when they are on the Bike Park playing with their peers, they will read the sign of dedication to Gordie and realize anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.”
So when Carol Kinzer of Killam was asked to head a fundraising committee for an arena lobby renovation that included renaming it to “Gordie’s Den,” this year she couldn’t say no, she says.
“When Gordie passed during COVID, we couldn’t honour him as he properly deserved, so this is something we can do to preserve his memory,” she says. “We can give him a final sendoff.
“Gordie was such an integral part of the Killam community. I’m thrilled that we are finally doing something for him.”
As part of extensive arena renovations that will be happening this spring and summer, with the roof replacement at the arena, work is also planned for the dressing rooms, and the main arena lobby. Kinzer says a special evening has been planned in Enghoj’s honour, including a supper with live and silent auctions to raise funds for lobby renovations.
There are also plans in the works for a mural in the renovated lobby to honour Enghoj.
The mural will be like looking through the glass at the ice surface, with 24 honourary jerseys hanging from the rafters, and Enghoj at centre ice.
Kinzer and her committee members have obtained sponsorship for each one of the painted jerseys, already raising $24,000 for the project before the event, planned for April 26, even starts.
Kinzer says that the Killam Wheat Kings team have offered to help with the event, as have the senior rec team, the Barley Kings, who have donated cash for silent auction items, as well as a special “Gordie” beer can, specially designed through Detention Brewery, which will be sold and served at the event.
Kinzer says, “Anyone who uses the arena building has been asked to help out.”
Planned renovations to the lobby include the mural, flooring, walls, trophy cases, and the ceiling.
Kinzer says the group is working off the Agriplex’s five-year capital plan which has some substantial repair and maintenance projects.
“Our event is raising funds for the lobby part only.”
She says the committee has received a lot of positive feedback, and support. Committee members are compiling a history of Enghoj’s life in Killam, looking for photos and stories to display during the tribute event.
Leslie Cholowsky
Editor