Artist Mandy van Leeuwen released the following written description of the
Mural:
The image is a powerful depiction of Winnipeg's passion for and achievement in
hockey, following a timeline from the childhood days of practice and dreams, through
historic times and trophies, to the return of the NHL to our city. Beginning with a
backyard rink view on a wintery day of a West End home, boys take part in the
aspiration.
The foreground presents a victorious monument featuring the many achievements
of Winnipeg's hockey greats, including Johnathan Toews and Bobby Hull. This blend
of stone and gold was inspired by a Francois Rude sculpture- La Marseillaise. Other
sections of the monument highlight major achievements of the Winnipeg Falcons, such
as their Olympic Gold Medal win in 1920, and a rendering of its character holding the
gold medal. Many trophies of Winnipeg's great hockey moments fused into the
monument include The Allan Cup, Smythe Trophy, Avco Cup, and the Calder Cup. As
with Olympism, Winnipeg's own Golden Boy tops the shrine with its brightly lit torch.
Team logos such as the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose are interspersed
throughout the golden fabric that flows through this profound sculpture. Sculpted
female figures support scrolls of prolific players from Manitoba's hockey
history.
A fan-filled arena illuminated with a spotlight on a major league hockey player posed in
a scoring position symbolizes the return of the NHL to Winnipeg and the vision of every
new player's dream.
