SJHL launches assistance program in wake of Humboldt tragedy
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.”