Inductees

Grassroots

Jim Large

Jim Large’s induction into the SHHOF grassroots category reflects more than three decades of meaningful contributions to the game, rooted in both player success as well as sustained leadership in coaching and program development.

Born in Alberta, Large moved to Weyburn in his teens where he played in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. As a member of the Red Wings, he helped capture junior-A provincial championships in 1970 and 1971. The 1969-70 team advanced to the Memorial Cup final and was inducted into the Weyburn Red Wings Hall of Fame in 2026.

Large’s coaching career began with grassroots hockey in 1981, coaching extensively within the Moose Jaw Minor Hockey Association. He served as head coach of the Under-18 AAA Moose Jaw Warriors from 1990-92 and again from 1994-98. He also helped coach the Western Hockey League’s Moose Jaw Warriors during the 1992-93 season, further demonstrating his versatility across age groups and competitive levels.

In 1995, Large played a foundational role in growing the game by establishing Moose Jaw’s female minor hockey program. Starting with one team of players, aged Under-7 to Under-15 and competing in a boys’ Under-11 division, his efforts led to the expansion of female hockey opportunities, resulting in teams across all divisions in the city.

Large also coached the Saskatchewan Technical Institute Beavers men’s hockey team from 1976 to 1990. Under his leadership, the Beavers captured four league titles and five provincial titles. His impact was recognized when he was named the Prairie Athletic Conference’s 1986 coach of the year.

A certified level-3 National Coaching Certification Program instructor, Large contributed to the development of coaches across the province, while also serving as a coach and evaluator with the Sask First program. His work extended to roles with Team Saskatchewan, where helped lead the bronze medal-winning Under-18 women’s team at 1997 nationals as well as a fourth-place finish at the 1999 Canada Winter Games. In 2001, he also coached Team Western (Saskatchewan/Manitoba) to a bronze medal at the inaugural Women's Under-18 Hockey Challenge in Quebec.

Large’s dedication was recognized by the Saskatchewan Hockey Association, now Hockey Saskatchewan, with the Southern Volunteer of the Year Award in the 2005-06 season.

With a remarkable career defined by commitment, leadership, and community impact, Large’s growing legacy continues to be recognized, including his induction into the Moose Jaw & District Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.

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