10 THINGS I THINK I THINK
1 – FOREVER 306: Where to start? The events of the past week are indescribable and in this week’s 10 Things, I’m just going to open up and spew. Just when you think the province is moving forward after Friday’s disaster by the tiniest of baby steps, a new tragedy strikes all over again. Brendan McGuire called it “our 9-11” and he’s not wrong. However that event changed New York forever – somehow for the better – and I can only hope the same will happen here. We were already a special place so I can’t imagine how Saskatchewan will look after its darkest day, but that’s a long, long ways off.
2 – CANADA: Toronto sportscaster Jim Lang said on the SportsCage that not since the Terry Fox Run in 1980 has this country been so unified. That’s a positive, but obviously we’d all give that back in exchange for those 16 Humboldt Broncos. I’m still struggling to see any bonuses but the Broncos parents have already begun to look ahead. That takes an heroic amount of guts. Meanwhile I’m sure they’ve drawn a lot of strength from the countless vigils and tributes from across the land. Thanks for that.
3 – R.I.P. DAYNA: The nightmare continued on Wednesday with the news that 25-year old Broncos therapist Dayna Brons succumbed to her injuries sustained in Friday’s crash, and ultimately lost her battle. The Roughriders made a statement on Dayna’s passing, saying she served as a team therapist for their 2016 Training Camp in Saskatoon. I remember her now. She had fire in her eyes and was all business. I guess God needed a trainer for that hockey team He’s assembled in that Rink in the Sky. Beyond tragic.
4 – NO PRESSURE: At a Regina Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday, Roughriders President Craig Reynolds proclaimed that if Saskatchewan wins the Grey Cup in 2018, they are immediately taking the trophy to Humboldt. No pressure Jones!
5 – #PUTYOURSTICKSOUT: The phenomen which swept the globe this week where supporters placed sticks on their porch for the (then) 15 Broncos was started by Winnipeg Jets broadcaster Brian Munz. He attended high school in Humboldt and a school chum sent him a photo of the very first gesture of its kind on Sunday, which Brian promptly put on Twitter. From there, it took off like wildfire with CAF soldiers in Afghanistan joining the movement to, remarkably, autoracing legend Mario Andretti. And everywhere in between. I smiled when I was driving home Wednesday evening, listening to Munzie on the air broadcasting the Jets-Wild playoff game. Well done my friend.
6 – BENEFIT GAMES: Fundraising hockey games have sprung up all over the province in support of the Broncos and the SJHL. On Friday, WHL and SJHL alumni will take to the ice in Moosimin to raise funds while there are a pair of games next Thursday. One takes place at Farrel Agencies Arena in Yorkton with a social to follow and the other is in Moose Jaw, where the Generals will host a benefit game in honour of the Broncos’ Evan Thomas. His father Scott is a Warriors Hall of Famer. The admission charge is a donation to the cause. Methinks the $9-million raised at GoFundMe is going to end up looking like a drop in the bucket by the time the donations have all been added up.
7 – THE SJHL: Hats off to everyone in the SJHL for banding together but particularly to President Bill Chow and Marketing Director Logan Fraser. They’ve been absolute heroes over the past week in the most-trying of circumstances. While they’ve displayed top-level leadership, the stress in their voice is evident every time we talk on the phone. This league is mom-and-pop and probably always will be but these two have been rockstars. It appears the League will come back stronger than ever before.
8 – CARRYING ON: It was not a surprise that the SJHL’s Board of Governors voted in favour Wednesday of continuing the playoffs, and staging the Canalta Cup between Nipawin and Estevan. TSN’s Farhan Lalji reported the vote was unanimous but the League wouldn’t confirm that. Most importantly the Humboldt Broncos endorsed the decision saying “The power of healing is in the game”. I’ve heard the argument against continuing, but the SJHL refuses to allow the bus crash to defeat them anymore.
9 – NEUTRAL SITES: Many have suggested the Canalta Cup be played in bigger arenas in Saskatoon and Regina in order to pack the places and raise more money. However the Hawks and Bruins have battled all year for the right to play in their own arenas and they need to be at home. The scheduling of the series was another great move by the S-Jay.
10 – JERSEY DAY: Canadians from coast-to-cast will wear hockey jerseys to work on Thursday to show support for the game and the Broncos. All I ask is that in doing so, remember why you’re doing it. Think of the 16 Broncos, the survivors, and if you actually want to help, donate financially. I’d hate to see this just be a fad or the “in thing” to do.
Meanwhile people are seeing celebrities like Hockey Night In Canada personalities and Premier Scott Moe wearing Green & Gold ribbons to support the Broncos.. They’re wondering where in Regina can they can get them? The only place I’ve heard right now is Western Pizza on Broadway although a visit to your local hobby store or Walmart will do the trick too. (Buy spools of ribbons and stick pins). Meanwhile those H-Strong T-shirts from 22 Fresh will be available in your local Coop as soon as they’re printed. Meanwhile in all Famoso restaurants across Canada on Saturday, $1 from every pizza sold will go to #HumboldtStrong.
STAY STRONG,
RP
