The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) has announced it will proceed with the league final between the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins and the Nipawin Hawks.
The league’s board of governors had a conference call on Wednesday afternoon to make the decision on whether the league final will happen, or if the season will be cancelled.
“We had a gruelling decision to make with respects on how we can pay tribute and honour the Humboldt Broncos,” said SJHL president Bill Chow. “On behalf of the board of governors, this intensive decision has been made and that decision is to carry through and finish off the 2017-2018 season. The league will play hockey.”
“The power of healing is in the game,” stated the board of the Humboldt Broncos.
The playoffs were suspended last week following the tragic accident involving the Humboldt Broncos bus and a semi unit north of Tisdale. Sixteen people aboard the bus were killed and the other 13 on the bus were injured.
The Broncos were travelling to Nipawin for Game 5 of the best-of-seven semifinal series. Nipawin had a 3-1 series lead.
The league final will begin on Saturday night in Nipawin, with Game 2 the following night, also in Nipawin. Games 3 and 4 will be in Estevan on Tuesday night and Wednesday night, respectively.
Game 5, if necessary, would be April 20 in Nipawin, Game 6 would be April 22 in Estevan and Game 7 would be April 24 in Nipawin. All games will start at 7:30 p.m.
A media conference will take place Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel in Regina. On top of the opportunity for the SJHL to speak further on this topic, there will be few other special announcements made from other organizations.
