(@TCAmericans/Twitter)

By Derek Craddock

SWABY DECAL

‘A very special person’: WHL team paying tribute to Matt Swaby

Jan 18, 2022 | 2:00 PM

Despite being more than 1,500 kilometres away, a Western Hockey League (WHL) team is paying tribute to a Prince Albert man who died late last year.

On Nov. 26, 2021, Matt Swaby died in a farming accident at his property just outside the city.

News of his death hit many people hard, especially those in the hockey community.

Swaby played hockey for many years for the Prince Albert Mintos, Kinistino Tigers as well as the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Tri-City Americans of the WHL.

The latter of those teams has decided to pay tribute to Swaby with a commemorative decal currently being worn on the helmets of all players.

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

6h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

6h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

7h ago

“We just felt it was appropriate to honour him in some way, small way, just to say thank you for what he did, and also bring recognition and hopefully, some compassion for the family,” said Tri-City Americans General Manager Bob Troy.

“He was a very special person, not just a hockey player. We value all our players, even after they’ve left us.”

The decal features the name Swaby on top of the number four he wore while with the team from 2004 to 2007.

Troy added they are also looking to fans and staff members to help create a scrapbook in Swaby’s memory.

When asked what made Swaby a special person and player, Troy said it was his work ethic and how he treated everyone around him.

“He always came to the rink with a smile on his face, tremendous work ethic. He treated every player in the dressing room as if they were special, whether it was a 16-year-old rookie or a 20-year-old or someone we just acquired in a trade. He was tremendous in the community, on community events and was great to be around and enjoyed life.”

The Tri-City Americans will wear the decal for the remainder of the season.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page that was launched to support Swaby’s family following his death has raised over $231,000.

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @pa_craddock