In 2019, 20 lucky children were given entire sets of hockey equipment. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Large Donation

RCMP officer secures 40 sets of new hockey equipment for youth

Mar 4, 2021 | 12:55 PM

Through a second and much larger donation of new hockey equipment, La Ronge RCMP Cpl. Brent Nicol wants residents to see police want positive progress in the communities they live and work as well.

“It’s about trying to build a bridge between the RCMP and the community and show we’re here for many purposes, not just to be someone who is arresting someone,” he said.

This marks the second time Nicol successfully applied to the NHL Players’ Association for new sets of hockey equipment. While in 2019 he was given 20 sets, this time around he was able to double the order to 40. Each set contains everything a new hockey player would need to participate in the sport and are valued at more than $300 each.

Nicol explained 20 sets will be donated to children at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) and the other half will be sent to Stanley Mission. He noted Kevin Roberts and Gordon McKenzie have been assisting him getting the equipment into the hands of those who need it.

“Those guys have put in a lot of time and effort as well on the side,” Nicol said. “I’m putting the time into doing the application, but really I’m getting a lot of help on the outside with Kevin Roberts and the JRMCC staff helping me to measure the kids and figure out who would be the best ones to receive. They are also going to be the ones storing all the equipment.”

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Nicol decided to apply for the equipment again after the joy he seen from recipients the first time. He said it was a huge success and put a smile on the face of many children.

Nicol also doesn’t expect the equipment to be handed out until the fall as he’s hopeful by that time coronavirus restrictions for sports are lifted. He mentioned he’ll also apply for more equipment this summer, so the distribution of free equipment could be even larger.

“Kevin Roberts is starting up a program this fall that’s going to try and get more of the younger kids involved in hockey,” Nicol said. “This equipment will go toward helping getting a number of kindergarten and Grade 1 children playing hockey at a younger age.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno