A Dresden-born shoemaker turned skate designer is getting some national recognition.
George E. Tackaberry was born in Dresden in 1874 and later moved to Brandon, Manitoba where he started his shoemaking business.
In 1905, his neighbour, future Stanley Cup Champion and NHL hall of famer Joe Hall, asked him to make a better boot for his skates, one that would withstand the strain and stress of a full season of hockey.
Tackaberry Skates became a staple brand among hockey players in Canada. Canada Cycle & Motor Company (CCM) took over Tackaberry’s shop in 1927, and the ‘Tacks’ brand remained CCM’s signature skate until it was retired in 2006. It was brought back in 2014 after demand from players at both the professional and recreational level.
‘Tacks’ have been worn by a number of NHL legends and superstars during their careers, including Jean Béliveau and Bobby Orr.
“Getting a new or used pair of ‘Tacks’ was a memorable rite of passage for many young Canadian skaters. One of the world’s most recognizable skate brands, ‘Tacks’ have been worn by players on local ponds and backyard rinks, right up to NHL arenas and all-star games for almost 100 years,” said Steven Guilbeault, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “George Tackaberry’s innovative boot design meant high-quality footwear for hockey players and played a key role in the development of the sport.”
Tackaberry Skates was recently recognized as “an event of national historic significance” under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration.
