I havenB次元官网网址檛 lived there since the early 1990s. I have been in my current house (in a different city) longer than any other in my life.

But if push came to shove, the overwhelming whiff of childhood nostalgia will always have me feel like Duncan is B次元官网网址榟omeB次元官网网址�.

Thanks to an annoying pandemic and some even more annoying surgeries, IB次元官网网址檝e only been back a handful of times in the past few years.

But no matter where you might be, thereB次元官网网址檚 still often a sense of ownership B次元官网网址� or a least a continued curiosity  B次元官网网址� about the goings-on back home.

So, earlier this summer, I was surprised to see a story on the Cowichan Valley Citizen website, penned by esteemed colleague Robert Barron.

B次元官网网址榃orldB次元官网网址檚 biggest hockey stick at the Cowichan Community Centre to be taken downB次元官网网址� shouted the headline.

OK, it didnB次元官网网址檛 actually make noise from my phone but it might as well have shrieked at me.

Really?

The big stick?

Why?

The last time I actively thought of the old community fixture was a while back, when apparently a city near Chicago was planning to build a 250-foot stick (besting CowichanB次元官网网址檚 by 45 feet) outside an arena project there.

I remember thinking B次元官网网址渋f itB次元官网网址檚 not going to be the worldB次元官网网址檚 largest, is there really much point in keeping the old twig?B次元官网网址�

But then I quickly corrected myself, knowing that it would simply be wrong to not be able to drive by the community centre and see the stick.

No spectacular reasoning, just my own gut feeling. Surely that would hold some sway.

Guess not.

Previously, according to the Citizen,  the Cowichan Valley Regional District had suggested several options for consideration for the future of the giant stick, including replacing it with a similar or different design and materials, keeping it the same size or making it bigger, or removing the stick and not replacing it at all.

A public engagement survey revealed the majority indicated itB次元官网网址檚 not important to maintain the world record for the largest hockey stick and puck, and that the hockey stick doesnB次元官网网址檛 provide significant importance to the region and it shouldnB次元官网网址檛 be replaced.

Ouch.

How can folks be so callous? I guess if you see it every day, itB次元官网网址檚 not as interesting.

I remember when some community-minded types managed to get the thing over to the Island after its brief stint at Expo 86.

My first question was similar to my reaction to hearing of its demise.

Why?

Who needs that?

Then it arrived, and it was somewhat fascinating. I spent a few years pondering a new question. How can my buddies and I get up there to slide down the thing?

Since then, itB次元官网网址檚 just always been there. Much like seeing Mt. Prevost from any angle immediately makes me feel at home, driving into town and seeing the stick just felt right.

I get that it would cost a ton of money to maintain, and governments of all stripes already tend to have little trouble going overboard with taxpayer cash. But, I mean... it was just always there for me. A piece of home.

The Citizen also noted Shawnigan LakeB次元官网网址檚 Genuine Collectibles Inc. will be taking possession of the stick (and giant puck), with plans to recycle the usable material into unique, authenticated collectibles.

A portion of the sales from the collectibles will be donated to local sporting organizations and charities.

Change is inevitable and thatB次元官网网址檚 an admirable initiative.

And in the end, especially if itB次元官网网址檚 the will of the people, itB次元官网网址檚 probably the right thing to do.

I, however, just canB次元官网网址檛 help feeling it isnB次元官网网址檛 right. Every single time I drive down-Island to Victoria, I loudly complain about them taking out the old go-kart track just outside of Mill Bay. Decades ago.

Now, IB次元官网网址檒l be adding a mournful soliloquy about the loss of a landmark IB次元官网网址檒l seemingly miss more than most.

PQB B次元官网网址/Vancouver Island Free Daily editor Philip Wolf welcomes your questions, comments and story ideas. He can be reached via email at philip.wolf@blackpress.ca or by phone at 250-905-0029.