Volunteers at a Saskatchewan community rink say they’re overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from across Canada following the theft of an autographed Gordie Howe jersey.
The community of Asquith, about 40 kilometres west of Saskatoon, was left heartbroken over the weekend when thieves broke into the town’s rink and stole the signed jersey. The jersey was donated for an annual raffle by a member of Howe’s family to help the rink raise funds.
“I was devastated. It basically felt no different than coming home and finding out someone had been in your house, gone through your belongings. It felt the exact same way,” said Blaine Ganchar, a volunteer.
The hockey rink remains open each year thanks to money raised in annual raffles, according to the rink’s volunteers. This year, members of the community were hoping to raise more than $15,000 for upkeep and potential upgrades to the rink, which was built in 1967.
Volunteers initially worried they wouldn’t be able to fundraise enough without the jersey to keep the rink open, but an outpouring of support from across the country has eased those concerns. Other items have been donated for the raffle.
“(I’m) overwhelmed and humbled by how many responses we have got,” said Kevin Rousell, a rink volunteer. “Like how do you say thank you to everybody? I don’t know how to do that.”
Still, the theft has left its effect on community members.
Justin Wilson, a young hockey player in Asquith, said he doesn’t feel as comfortable in the rink.
“It makes me feel comfortable and safe, and now that people have broken in, it’s not really safe,” he said.
Residents hope the case can be solved and the jersey returned.
The raffle is set to wrap up in March.
