There’s more to being a Humboldt Bronco than just lacing up the skates and grinding through 58 games in the dead of a Saskatchewan winter.
On off days or when their schedule allows, members of the green and gold are out and about giving back to the community that welcomes them.
This past week, players helped out at the Humboldt Soup Kitchen.
19 year-old winger Chris Van Os-Shaw, who hails from Regina said it’s a great feeling giving back when you have a chance.
“Seeing people come into the soup kitchen really makes me thankful for what I have, getting to play hockey everyday, my family how much they help out and support me. You really take things for granted until you see what others go through on a day to day basis.”
Taking time from their afternoons to help out during minor hockey practices is another aspect.
Luke Kempf, a 20 year-old from Sherwood Park, Alberta says getting on the ice with the kids takes him back to his minor hockey days.
“Helping out with the younger kids in the community makes me remember the times older players came out and skated with me. It’s good to help out and skate with the younger kids as they look up to us a lot and we can set an example for them so hopefully one day can wear the Bronco jersey.”
The Broncos will be out and about this holiday season helping with other initiatives, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake is a large fundraiser for that organization in February, the players always enjoy taking part.
On the ice, they look to snap their four game losing skid in Flin Flon, face-off is 7:30.