Neck guard sales jump after Sask. hockey player slashed by skate
17h ago
More adult players are now investing in the protective equipment.
After seeing all the support coming in for his family and others affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, Ryan Gobeil wanted to do his part to help the organizations who stepped up in their time of need.
Gobeil’s younger brother, Morgan, was one of the 29 people who were on the Broncos team bus when it collided with a semi on April 6. He is currently recovering in hospital.
Ryan organized a series of fundraising events in Swift Current over the weekend, which raised around $50,000 for the Humboldt Strong Community Foundation.
The foundation is aimed at helping the broader Humboldt Broncos family, as well as first responders, Ronald McDonald house, STARS Air Ambulance and Royal University Hospital Foundation.
“When we were in our time of need a bunch of people gave a lot to us and it’s our time to give something back,” Gobeil said.
“The next person who suffers similar injuries or a similar situation gets the same level of support that we did.”
The weekend began on Friday night with a showing of Game 5 between the Swift Current Broncos and Everett Silvertips. Over 1,000 people showed up to watch the game with profits going towards the fundraiser’s final tally.
Ryan Gobeil also helped put together a hockey tournament, which featured eight teams. Professional hockey players, including Ottawa Senator Zack Smith and Vancouver Canucks prospect Kole Lind, took part.
“It’s good to see the beer-leaguers get a chance to share the ice with some real, legit hockey players,” Gobeil said.
One of the teams playing in the tournament was comprised of Humboldt residents, and those who grew up playing in the Broncos system.
“This is what they would want us to be doing, playing the game that they loved,” said Colton Halvorson, who played his midget hockey in Humboldt.
“I know that if they were healthy enough they would be here having fun and supporting a great cause.”
The weekend also featured a silent auction on donated items including hockey memorabilia as well as a 50/50 draw.