Why does grandmother decide to travel to Minaki? Explain the ironic reference to “salvation “ at the end of chapter 16?

These are two different questions here. Grandmother knows winter is coming and they cannot stay at God's Lake. Naomi has to get Saul to warmth which means relatives in Minaki.

Second Question:

Saul would stare at the Christ picture at school and understand that his salvation came through hockeyand the "dream of the game" rather than religion.