Bert Knibbs

Multisport Builder — Inducted 1989

Bert Monroe Knibbs (March 3, 1924 – July 31, 1998) was a respected Southern Alberta athlete and community builder whose lifelong dedication to sport left a lasting impact on Bow Island and beyond.

Knibbs first gained prominence as a member of the Lethbridge Maple Leafs, helping the team capture the gold medal at the 1951 World Ice Hockey Championships in Paris, France. The 1951 Maple Leafs squad, one of Canada’s most celebrated amateur hockey teams, was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 1974. Knibbs’ role on that championship team placed him among the province’s distinguished hockey athletes of his era.

Beyond his playing career, Knibbs became widely known in Southern Alberta as a tireless advocate and organizer for amateur sport. He was deeply involved in hockey, baseball, and slow-pitch softball, contributing countless hours to coaching, organizing, and facility development.

He served as:

• Special Events Chairman — 1987 Canadian Women’s Slo-Pitch Championships
• Committee Member — 1986 & 1988 Western Canadian Slo-Pitch Championships

Knibbs spearheaded major community facility projects, including the development of the Four Diamond Ball Park and upgrades to the local ice arena in Bow Island. In recognition of his leadership and commitment, the Bow Island community named the town ballpark in his honour in 1987.

After Induction