Premier Scott Moe, MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook, and Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave celebrate the WHL-winning P.A.Raiders from the Premier’s office in Regina. (submitted/Government of Saskatchewan)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Joe says go raiders

P.A. MLA Hargrave ‘optimistic’ Saskatchewan can approve WHL restart

Jan 30, 2021 | 12:06 PM

With the Government of Alberta and its health authority giving the Western Hockey League approval for the five Alberta-based WHL teams to start its regular season in February, fans of the other 17 WHL teams are asking ‘when will we get clearance, too?”

One person that would love to get an answer on that is Joe Hargrave, the Saskatchewan Party MLA for Prince Albert Carlton.

Even when he’s working in the province’s capital, Hargrave always is sure to listen in to the Prince Albert Raiders on CKBI radio and still finds a way to see at least 10 games in person at the Art Hauser Centre.

Although Hargrave said he wasn’t a part of the approval talks, he knows they are happening and hopes his government can follow Alberta’s lead.

“I think that’s very positive. I’m very optimistic and hopeful that it’s going to be that way for Saskatchewan and the Prince Albert Raiders. Because we know our Prince Albert Raiders are going to win the division,” Hargrave told paNOW. “I’m anxious to having the Raiders play again. Even if fans are limited in going, we’ll be listening in on the radio whenever we can.

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“I’m optimistic that if Alberta found a way, that we can find a way to do the same thing,” Hargrave added.

Should WHL hockey return in Saskatchewan and see the Raiders face off against their provincial rivals like the Saskatoon Blades, Hargrave believes that would give a lot of hockey fans something to enjoy during these tough times.

“What a positive boost to our attitudes and our overall outlook. It’s those little positive things that are going to make people feel better,” Hargrave said. “We all understand COVID, we’re taking precautions and doing all that, but we still want to feel good. To be able to listen to a Raider game, I’m telling ya, that would be absolutely wonderful.”

When the Government of Saskatchewan was asked about where they are in approving the WHL, their official response was they have been working with the league but have yet to come up with a verdict.

“The Business Response Team has been having ongoing discussions with the WHL regarding a return to play. No decisions have been made,” they said by email to paNOW.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW