The Battlefords North Stars, like many junior teams across the province, play a pivotal role in their community. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Supporting Junior Hockey

SJHL to receive $1 million in provincial funding

Jan 15, 2021 | 12:57 PM

“It’s a great day for the SJHL, and a great day for the Battlefords North Stars.”

That’s from North Stars President and Governor Shandon Reichert, after the provincial government announced $1 million in funding to support the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.

Reichert said it’s great to see the province recognize just how big a role the league’s teams play in communities across Saskatchewan by providing funding during this tough time.

“We are an important part of this community, both in terms of community pride and the economic impact the North Stars have on a yearly basis,” Reichert said.

“We’d really like to thank the government and our local MLA, Jeremy Cockrill for the support and recognition that the North Stars and SJHL are a vital part of not only North Battleford, but Saskatchewan as a whole.”

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SJHL President Bill Chow said in a statement it’s important to see these teams, often community-owned, get provincial backing to allow for a brighter tomorrow.

“The SJHL, which consists of community-owned teams, has been in a state of uncertainty due to COVID-19 during the past several months,” Chow said. “[So] the financial support that has been provided by the Saskatchewan Government creates a more positive outlook for our teams.”

The SJHL remains hopeful to return to action this season, despite Wednesday’s announcement from the province that a return to play would be unlikely to happen before the end of March.

As per Friday’s announcement, the Western Hockey League (WHL) will also receive funding to the tune of $3 million, which will be evenly distributed between each of Saskatchewan’s five WHL teams for $600,000 apiece.

These funds will also be given to help address revenue shortfalls as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1