Born in 1924, David Bauer grew up in a prominent Waterloo family that had strong connections to local, international and professional sport. Despite dreams of playing in the NHL, he chose to become a priest with the Basilian Fathers and dedicated himself to improving hockey for the nation's youth. He coached the St. Michael's Majors to the Memorial Cup in 1961 and then established Canada's National Team in men's hockey. Drawing from archival and interview research, this presentation will unpack Bauer's belief that "in a small way, hockey can improve the world." He sought to improve minor hockey coaching, create educational pathways in sport, foster diplomatic relations through international play, and challenge a commercial mindset that defined sport's value in strictly economic terms. His person-centered philosophy challenged hockey people and all Canadians to see sport as a human activity that can build up communities, support higher ideals and make a more peaceful world.
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Matt Hoven
Biography
Dr. Matt Hoven is Associate Professor and Peter and Doris Kule Chair of Catholic Religious Education at St Joseph's College, University of Alberta, in Edmonton. His books include, Hockey Priest: Father David Bauer and the Spirit of the Canadian Game (CUA Press, 2024) and On the Eighth Day: A Catholic Theology of Sport (Cascade, 2022). Matt is married to Crystal and together they stay active with their children in local youth sports.