Carey Price Statue Unveiled in Williams Lake, Inspires Community

URGENT UPDATE: A stunning statue of Carey Price was unveiled today, August 14, 2023, at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex in Williams Lake. This intricately carved wooden depiction, created by artist Jeffrey Samudsocky of JMS Wood Sculpture, is set to become a lasting tribute to the beloved NHL goalie and his roots in the Cariboo Chilcotin region.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Mayor Surinderpal Rathor of Williams Lake, Mayor Allen Courtoreille of the District of Chetwynd, and Kukpi7 Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation. Although Carey Price could not attend, his father, Jerry Price, expressed his son’s gratitude to the community, highlighting how deeply connected Carey feels to his hometown. “This is where his heart is,” Jerry stated, emphasizing the significance of community in shaping Carey’s identity.

Kukpi7 Willie Sellars shared his personal connection to Price, recalling watching him play during junior hockey finals in Williams Lake. “Carey has put Williams Lake on the map in a good way,” Sellars said, noting the inspiration Price provides to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. This sentiment of unity and shared passion for hockey resonated throughout the event.

Mayor Rathor praised the collaborative effort that brought the statue to life, labeling it a symbol of teamwork and cooperation between communities. The statue captures Price in an action pose, glove hand extended, and is a continuation of the District of Chetwynd’s initiative to gift wooden carvings to promote community partnerships. So far, Chetwynd has gifted around 30 carvings to various communities.

The location for the statue was carefully chosen to protect it from weather damage, following the removal of previous wood carvings from outdoor sites. This strategic placement aims to ensure its longevity and visibility for future generations. City council has endorsed the placement, with Councillor Michael Moses stating, “This is really going to upgrade our facility in a really cool way.”

As hockey enthusiasts and community members gather to celebrate, this statue is more than just a piece of art; it reflects the spirit of Williams Lake and serves as a reminder of the shared passion for the sport. “The theme of the 2025 Williams Lake Stampede Parade, ‘Hockey is our Game,’ perfectly aligns with this tribute,” Mayor Rathor noted during the ceremony.

This statue is expected to inspire pride and unity within the community, further cementing Carey Price’s legacy in Williams Lake. With the unveiling generating excitement, it is clear that the impact of this tribute will be felt for years to come.