Funding to help keep junior hockey in the province alive.

This morning, the Saskatchewan government announced they would be providing $4 million to the province’s WHL teams and the SJHL.

“Our junior hockey teams are a critical part of the cultural fabric and local economies across the province,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a written release. “Necessary restrictions due to COVID-19 have had a significant impact on these leagues and their teams and this support will help them address these financial challenges.”

Of the $4 million, $3 million will be going to the WHL teams in the league to help address revenue shortfalls as a result of the restrictions in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Each of the teams will be receiving $600,000.

The remaining $1 million will be going to the SJHL. The money is going directly to the league, with no word at this time as to how it will be divvied up by the league’s 11 Saskatchewan-based teams, or even if the Flin Flon Bombers, who are based in Manitoba, will be receiving any of the funding.

“The SJHL, which consists of community owned teams, has been in a state of uncertainty due to COVID-19 during the past several months,” SJHL President Bill Chow said. “The financial support that has been provided by the Saskatchewan Government creates a more positive outlook for our teams.”