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SJHL launches assistance program in wake of Humboldt tragedy

Apr 10, 2018 | 10:30 AM

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League has announced a new SJHL assistance program designed to provide mental health assistance and grief counselling for all players, coaches, staff, and volunteers affected by Friday’s tragedy involving the Humboldt Broncos.

Initial funding for the program has come from Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), who matched a $135,000 donation put forth by 44 local co-ops. More business donations are being secured from other co-ops, according to the league, and FCL will continue to match them, up to a potential total of $500,000.

“Players, coaches, volunteers, trainers are more than the league. They’re family,” SJHL president Bill Chow said at a press conference on Monday afternoon in Humboldt. “We have to do something for the players, not [just] now, but also in the future. How do we take care of the process in six weeks, in six months, in six years, in 10 years?

“We’re trying to make sure that whoever it happens to, whenever it happens, that we can somehow help them and take care of them.”

Chow said any extra money available from the fund will go into an education program in memory of the lives lost in the Humboldt tragedy.

Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy, who survived the 1986 Swift Current Broncos bus crash that claimed the lives of four of his teammates, was at the press conference as well. Kennedy said mental health awareness has changed dramatically since the 1980s.

“To know better is to do better. We know better today,” Kennedy said. “We know the impact of trauma. We know the impact of PTSD. And we know … the scars that last a lifetime are real.”

Battlefords North Stars head coach Brandon Heck said it’s nice to see the league showing support for all teams.

“It’s nice to see the league has your back and they care about each player,” Heck said. “It makes you real proud.”

North Stars graduating defenceman Connor Manegre said the idea of a support group is great.

“We all have different thoughts going on so definitely a support [program] is amazing for the league,” Manegre said. “It definitely affects some players a lot more than others.”

In a statement, FCL CEO Scott Banda said he hopes his company’s contributions are only the start of something larger.

“We’re looking for any way we can to help the many people in the Broncos organization, and throughout the league,” Banda said. “I hope that our contributions today … encourage other businesses and organizations to donate to the SJHL Assistance Program.”

The SJHL also announced a joint effort with its official clothing supplier, 22 Fresh, to soon sell #HumboldtStrong T-shirts at local co-ops and online. Proceeds from the shirt sales will go towards the SJHL Assistance Program. Details on when the T-shirts will be available in stores will be provided as soon as possible, the league said.

 

nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @NathanKanter11