Murray Wood: Of Easter bunny bells and Juicy Fruit gum
For Murray Wood, Easter brings to mind grandma's practical advice about repurposing, and some of life's little lessons.
The Saskatoon Blades’ successful season continues, as the team has been chosen as the East Division’s nominee for the Western Hockey League Business Award.
It’s awarded to the team that best exemplifies giving back to the community and produces the best gameday experiences for fans. The Blades offered some flexibility in their ticket packs this season, which helped lead to a 30-per-cent increase in attendance over the 2021-22 season.
And it didn’t hurt that SaskTel Centre had back-to-back sellouts to close the season, with 14,768 people in attendance to watch the Blades take on the Regina Pats.
There was also a focus on themed nights for games and a partnership with Saskatoon Minor Hockey where teams were invited to attend weekend home games.
This season the Blades also held a Pride night in support of OUT Saskatoon, and two games that helped support Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital with Nickolodeon Night and a Saskatoon Bananas game.
Saskatoon also partnered with the Prince Albert Raiders to play a pre-season game on Big River First Nation for the opening of the Jim Neilson Sportsplex, where the team participated in a powwow.
The Blades also built a strong relationship with Saskatoon Tribal Council’s Chief Mark Arcand and donated 5,000 backpacks to the council’s White Buffalo Youth Lodge.
There has also been an effort by assistant coach Wacey Rabbit and players Connor Roulette and Josh Pillar to share their stories as Indigenous hockey players.
Other nominees for the award include the Kamloops Blazers (B.C. Division), Edmonton Oil Kings (Central Division) and the Spokane Chiefs (U.S. Division).
The winner of the WHL Business Award will be announced May 2.
