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Vote on Haugan memorial Monday

May 11, 2018 | 4:23 PM

On Monday, Town of Peace River council will be voting on a request for a commitment of $5000 for the development of a memorial to Darcy Haugan.

Haugan, who was from Peace River, was the coach of the Humboldt Broncos Junior hockey team and one of 16 people killed April 6 when the team’s bus and a semi-trailer collided in rural Saskatchewan. Thirteen players were injured.

Autumn Hulme, the Communications Coordinator for the Town of Peace River, says town officials met with the North Peace Navigators hockey organization on April 27 to discuss ideas for a memorial.

Some ideas that came up were a plaque or monument, naming of the ice surface, naming of a dressing room or a monument or statue in front of the arena.

“We are trying to find a memorial that will capture the spirit of his coaching,” explained Hulme.  “He inspired a lot of young hockey players and he did that through his mentorship and through his role as a coach. So, we are trying to find a memorial that speaks to that unique impact.”

“We are building a new multi-sport recreation centre in town.  So, we’re looking at that as a primary location for some kind of a memorial.  We feel it would be appropriate there and that’s been our understanding from the Navs as well.”

The Humboldt Broncos hockey club announced Friday the team will be ready to hit the ice in time for the 2018-19 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season. The club said in a news release that it’s recruiting a head coach and general manager to replace Haugan.

Bronco’s president Kevin Garinger says Coach Haugan was selfless, inspirational and motivating, and It will be incredibly difficult to find someone that can rise to his standards.

As the team recruits its next coach, 80 prospective players will be invited to a camp in Saskatoon later this month.
 
It’s not clear whether any of the injured players will return to the team for the upcoming season.
 
 
w/files from The Canadian Press