Hockey Meets Science on Great Bear Lake

March 16, 2026

In March 2026, the Délı̨nę, Northwest Territories community hosted the Alumni All-Star Winter Classic, where NHL stars gathered to honour 200 years of hockey tradition in the region, sponsored by Laurier Research and CRRC members. Spectators had the opportunity to visit the portable Sahtú Lab, a mobile science station used by Dr. Kheyrollah Pour and her team to measure water quality, ice thickness, and snow properties across Great Bear Lake. The lab supports research and monitoring efforts in collaboration with the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government, researchers, and community partners.

The Sahtú Lab also welcomed several distinguished visitors during the event, including NWT Premier R.J. Simpson, Minister Marc Miller, Minister Rebecca Alty, and Senator Dawn Anderson. Following the event, Dr. Kheyrollah Pour and Branden Walker, Physical Geography Laboratory Technician, introduced community members and Délı̨nę high school students to the lab, taking them onto the lake to explore the portable research station and test an underwater drone.