Book Club for November 2026
by Gayle Graham
It is a pleasure to invite you to the November 5th Icelandic Roots Book Club to hear from Cathie Eliasson, the author of Falcons Forever: the Saga of the 1920 Olympic Gold Medal Ice Hockey Team. The book chronicles the Winnipeg Falcons' journey to the VII Olympiad in Antwerp, Belgium, where they won the very first gold medal in men's ice hockey. This group of first-generation Western Icelandic Canadians had just returned from fighting in World War I and had to overcome discrimination and other challenges to play the game they loved. Being the granddaughter of Konrad "Konnie" Johannesson, Cathie adds her own unique perspective as she brings the players' voices to the page.
Like her grandfather, Falcons defenseman Konnie Johannesson, Cathie is of Icelandic descent. She grew up in a household that valued Icelandic traditions and food. She also grew up watching hockey and got her daughters into the game at an early age. They ended their careers playing for the University of Manitoba. Now Cathie is back at the rink watching their children continue the family's hockey tradition.
Cathie's interest in her Icelandic family genealogy and other stories prompted her to join the Marketing committee of Lögberg-Heimskringla newspaper. This 140-year-old newspaper has been the thread that has linked generations and allowed hundreds of Icelanders to tell their stories and keep our culture strong.
Cathie lives in Winnipeg with her husband and will spend the winter choosing which games of her five hockey-playing grandchildren she will attend.
Icelandic Roots Samkoma and Database members can join us on November 5, 2026 as we hear from Cathie about this amazing achievement in our Icelandic history! All are welcome!
Not a member yet? You can join anytime on this page:
For more details concerning time and how to participate, see the Icelandic Roots Events Calendar.
