SJHL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bill Chow

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League held a news conference in Regina on Thursday to announce the latest developments with the league after the Humboldt tragedy.

Here are some notes:

– The Canalta Cup Final will go ahead with Game 1 Saturday in Nipawin with the Hawks hosting the Estevan Bruins. How each team plans to honour the Humboldt Broncos will be their choice, without league input.

– Regarding the worldwide support for Humboldt over the past week, Chow said, “This tragedy is resonating with everyone. I’m not sure why, but it is.”

– Country Thunder Saskatchewan VP Ted Gross announced the incorporation of the Country Thunder Foundation, and they will be putting on a benefit country concert at Saskatoon’s SaskTel Centre on April 27. ALL FUNDS generated will go directly to the families of the Humboldt Broncos players.

– Gross said at this time, none of the acts can be named.

– Cindy Fuchs of the Red Cross announced they will be providing Mental Health support to the Humboldt Broncos as well as all players across the SJHL.

– Bill Chow said the SJHL’s Assistance Fund is designed to support players affected by this tragedy, and any other issues players will face in the years ahead. He said right now the goal is to support the SJHL, but ultimately they’d like to be able to provide assistance to all Junior A players in Canada. But, Chow said “It’s a success if we help just one player.”

– Meanwhile across town, Regina Pats Head Coach & GM John Paddock was addressing reporters about his club’s return to “action”. The team returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since their first round Game 7 loss to the Swift Current Broncos. The Pats won’t play again until Friday, May 18 when they open up the 2018 Memorial Cup against the OHL Champions.

– Paddock said there are “no words” to describe the tragedy which happened on Friday. He noted that the franchise will provide support for any players with personal ties to the Humboldt Broncos players.

– Paddock didn’t talk about the team’s practice schedule ahead or any exhibition games they may be lining up. The team will practice again on Friday and more may be learned then.


RP
@rodpedersen