SJHL says Humboldt would’ve wanted playoff series to carry on

While it will be with heavy hearts, the puck will drop again in this year’s Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs.

Sixteen members of the Humboldt Broncos were killed when the bus carrying team collided with a semi-truck on April 6. Members of the team remain in hospital, some in critical condition.

With people keeping those who lost their lives and injured at the top of their mind, there was still the question if the SJHL would continue on with the playoffs.

On Wednesday, the league announced it would go ahead with the final series of the year.

SJHL President Bill Chow said the decision was reached after consultation with all the teams.

“Humboldt wanted the playoff series to carry on and the decision was unanimous after everybody had their say as to what their thoughts were,” Chow said.

He also anticipates the teams in the final, Estevan Bruins and Nipawin Hawks, will find some way to pay tribute to the Broncos.

“Each individual team are going to be recognizing and having their service, ceremony if you want to put it that way, in their own way and planning their own recognition of that tragic event.”

Chow said he’s heard the Hawks could be wearing green helmets and the coaches will let the players put whatever they want on the helmets.

As for the rest of the league, Chow said they are all trying their best to put one foot in front of the other.

“I think it was Kevin (Garinger) that said that date will never be forgotten, those players, those people will never be forgotten,” Chow said.

The series will begin on Saturday with the winner meeting the Manitoba Junior Hockey League champion.