It was announced last week that the Government of Saskatchewan would provide funding to support the province’s Western Hockey League teams and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

The provincial government is providing $3 million in support to help WHL teams address revenue shortfalls as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Each of Saskatchewan’s WHL teams will receive $600,000.

The SJHL will receive $1 million in provincial support. This funding will be provided to the League.

Director of Business Operations with the Swift Current Bronco's, Nathan MacDonald gave his outlook on the funding.

"I think the support from the government it's important not only for the 16 communities of the WHL and SJHL but the province as a whole. I think, like all the other communities involved, we have a significant economic impact and community benefit. The support will go a long way to make sure we have that positive impact."

As we navigate through these difficult times and into the future, upcoming years will still be difficult and we will feel the impact of this for a while so the money will go a long way towards helping with that says, MacDonald. 

MacDonald, details how the funds will be used.

"Maintaining operations and getting ready to go into our future. Hopefully, there is something this year and that will be a costly venture to get hockey up and running but something that we feel is important for our community. And then again going into the years after that, and it sort of just steadies the ship to some degree for us going forward."

Provincial government officials continue to work with the WHL, the SJHL, and other sports leagues on options for a safe return to play in the future.