This past weekend in Calgary painted a classic winter tableau, blending community spirit, sporting passion, and breathtaking natural phenomena. From the crisp scrape of skates on community rinks to the roaring energy of the Scotiabank Saddledome and a city draped in delicate ice crystals, Postmedia photographers captured the essence of a January weekend in the city.
Community Spirit on Ice
The weekend's activities kicked off on Friday, January 2, 2026, with Calgarians making the most of the winter weather at outdoor rinks. At the Triwood Community Association in northwest Calgary, Patrick Lewis, who grew up near the rink but now lives in Seattle, Washington, seized the opportunity to play outdoor hockey with his eight-year-old son, Henry. Lewis makes it a tradition to bring his children skating outdoors whenever they visit their former hometown.
Meanwhile, at Confederation Park on 19th Street N.W., Barry and Catherine Norman enjoyed a skate with their grandchildren, Austin Pozzi and Marin Pozzi. These scenes of multi-generational enjoyment unfolded against the backdrop of a city-wide halt on the flooding of new outdoor rinks due to water restrictions following a major water main break.
Also on Friday, a poignant art exhibit found its place at the Central Library. Former journalist turned artist Lana Michelin was setting up her exhibit featuring short biographies of 12 unhoused clients from Safe Harbour. The installation aims to show the human side of homelessness and addiction, offering a moment of reflection amidst the weekend's recreational pursuits.
Flames Ignite the Saddledome
The action heated up on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as the Calgary Flames faced off against the Nashville Predators at home. The game provided several highlight-reel moments captured by the lens. Rookie defenceman Yan Kuznetsov found the back of the net against Predators goalie Juuse Saros in the first period, a feat later matched by veteran defenceman Rasmus Andersson.
Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf was sharp between the pipes, making a key stop on Nashville's Steven Stamkos. The game also saw some physical play, with Flames forward Ryan Lomberg engaging in a first-period fight with Nashville's Cole Smith, resulting in time in the penalty box. The intensity continued with battles involving forwards like Blake Coleman and Adam Klapka, showcasing a hard-fought contest.
A City Frozen in Beauty
By Saturday and into Sunday, January 4, 2026, a different kind of spectacle had taken hold of Calgary. A thick layer of hoar frost and rime ice encased the city's trees and landscapes, transforming familiar views into a sparkling, silent wonderland. Photographer Jenna Watson was among those documenting the frost-laden trees on Saturday.
The phenomenon continued to draw curious residents on Sunday, despite the cold temperatures. Visitors like Mildred Menosa from Dublin, Ireland, were seen playfully interacting with the icy scenery, embodying the sense of wonder the frosty conditions inspired. The images show Calgarians venturing out not just for errands, but to witness and engage with the extraordinary winter artistry that had settled upon their city.
This weekend snapshot reveals a Calgary embracing the heart of winter—finding joy in community traditions, rallying behind its hockey team, and pausing to appreciate the fleeting, frozen beauty that a Canadian January can bring.
