Another Athlete Against Oil Sands

Last week we told you about Canada’s oil sands and the Sierra Club's campaign to save winter. On Wednesday, Minneapolis's Star Tribune published an op-ed by Mike Richter, in which the retired hockey star speaks out against oil-sands mining in Alberta. The pipeline that’s been proposed to bring crude-oil sands into the U.S. would cross Minnesota on its way to Chicago.

In the article, Richter praises Canada for their exceptional hockey skills and legacy of “deep environmental awareness” but also describes the devastating environmental consequences of mining oil sands, including exacerbating climate change.

As a hockey player, Richter has a serious stake in keeping winter around. He had an impressive career as a goalie and was instrumental in helping his team, the New York Rangers, win the 1994 Stanley Cup title. He also played on the U.S. hockey team in several Winter Games.

--Sophie Matson