‘The World Needs More Captains’: Adam Herold’s legacy lives on through foundation

Adam Herold had just started his Western Hockey League career with the Prince Albert Raiders after completing a successful U18 AAA season as the captain of the Regina Pat Canadians. He had been called up to play in the SJHL with the Broncos when the tragedy occurred.

For Adam’s family, this day is still deeply personal.

“We always spend time with family and friends on this day,” said his sister, Erin. “The foundation has been something to put our energy into. We are fortunate to have a fantastic support group and an amazing board that guides the foundation, but it’s been incredibly meaningful to see Adam’s legacy live on, to hear kids say his name and remember him… the support is amazing. We continue to receive messages from around the world. We are so thankful for the support we have received both personally and through the foundation.”

Adam Herold. (Image Credit: AHLF/Facebook)

Created in Adam’s memory, the foundation focuses on giving Saskatchewan youth opportunities not just to grow as hockey players, but as leaders. Its motto is ‘The World Needs More Captains.’

The foundation’s Hockey and Leadership Development Program has provided top trainers for young athletes’ skill development, physical and mental training, coaching development, scholarships, and ongoing support for hockey programs in rural communities that have so far included: Balcarres, Gravelbourg, Preeceville, Alameda, Torquay, Naicam, Maple Creek, Carrot River, St. Walburg, Indian Head, Biggar, Bruno, Cudworth, Kincaid, Kipling and Canora, among others.

“The focus is on more than just hockey,” Erin explained. “We wanted to create something that would continue to build on the traits that Adam possessed. We are thrilled to see the response to the camps and the positive impact they are having on communities throughout rural Saskatchewan.

Eight years in, that impact continues to grow.

More than 2,300 youth have taken part in the program across 23 communities. As part of their experience, each participant commits to giving back. Together, they’ve contributed over 23,000 volunteer hours in their hometowns.

Minor hockey players in Kipling, Sask. collected donations for the food bank with help from the Kipling Lions and Kipling Fire Department in December. A large part of the Adam Herold Legacy Foundation is to give back through volunteering so kids can understand what leadership looks like and how to make a social impact in their community. (Image Credit: Kipling Minor Hockey/Facebook)

This year, Kipling organized a local food drive in their community. Other highlights have included players singing Christmas carols at long-term care homes, raising money for mental health units at hospitals, shovelling snow, cleaning local rinks, and volunteering at schools and community events.

“It’s amazing to see how the participants come back and recognize how important those events are in their communities and how they can make a big impact, even when it seems like a small action,” Erin said.

At an AHLF camp in Canora, Sask. (Image Credit: AHLF/Facebook)

Each year, the foundation continues that work by hosting camps in three Saskatchewan communities, offering a mix of skill development, dryland training, and leadership-building opportunities both on and off the ice. Applications for next year’s host communities close April 7, with selections expected later this month.

And while April 6, 2018, will always be a day of remembrance, for the Herold family, it’s what’s happened in the days, months, and years after that is defining a legacy built on community, compassion, and the enduring impact of a young man who continues to inspire.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8

by Ben Tompkins

‘The World Needs More Captains’: Adam Herold’s legacy lives on through foundation

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