The fifth annual Conexus Credit Union Humboldt Broncos Memorial Golf Tournament took place this past weekend, Aug. 5 and 6, as family and friends gathered once again to celebrate and honour the 2017/2018 team.
Included in the two-day event was a Hunter Brothers concert,
A Stanley Cup presentation, courtesy of Colorado Avalanche Head Coach and 2022 Stanley Cup champion, Jared Bednar,
And the 2022 SJHL Hall of Fame induction ceremony,
Along with all that, a cheque from the golf tournament committee for $29,000 was presented to the city and will go towards their plans for a Broncos tribute centre and roadside memorial.
City of Humboldt communications manager, Penny Lee, told northeastNOW how significant of a ‘gift’ this is.
“We’ve all seen a tremendous outpouring of support since April 6, which obviously continues today. It really means so much and really proves the support that they’re standing behind us on this too.”
After two straight years of limited banquet times, with mostly just a day of golf due to the pandemic, the atmosphere of togetherness really rang true.
Co-organizer Laurie Warford explained one of the most important and cherished things about this event is reconnecting.
“It brings in people from such a wide range area. One of the biggest comments we hear during the event is that people take life and friendships for granted. It’s such a great opportunity for people to come together. For us to see different alumni, people and families come together, we’re really pleased with that.”
All the other funds raised from the tournament go towards creating the Humboldt Broncos Legacy Awards, which distributes money to local organizations and provides two $5,000 scholarships for local high school students who are involved in their community.
Organizers also made a $5,000 donation to Make-a-Wish Canada on behalf of a special young man from Quill Lake and his request “to help other people.”
Jared Bednar mentioned how special it was for him to be able to share the Cup with Deklan Strunk and his family.
“I remember being that age and dreaming about winning the Stanley Cup and hockey is a big part of a lot of kids in Saskatchewan,” he said. “To be able to have them out and spend some time with it and then to be able to raise some money in the tournament, to donate it to Make-A-Wish. I just feel like that’s such a good program. They help so many kids and their families while they’re going through tough times. Pretty special moments.”
The induction ceremony was another element added to the weekend, which brought more people out who had a special connection to the area.
For Brian Munz, he added how the banquet emphasized the importance of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League to lots of people in and outside the room.
“I think it just shows that the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is so special to everybody. Whether you’re on or off the ice, it impacts people I think a lot more as time goes on.”
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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com
On Twitter @BenTompkins_8