Back in March of 2019, nearly one year following the Humboldt Broncos bus accident, The HumboldtStrong Foundation donated 1.4 million dollars to communities that were affected by, or provided first responders to the incident. The City of Melfort was one of those cities.

The City of Melfort has now turned a portion of the funds into the construction of a mini stick rink that will grace the Northern Lights Place Arena in Melfort. 

“We’ve asked that all of these gifts be put to use in a way that not only honours all those lost and injured but also the overwhelming response from the public,” said foundation chair, Darrin Duell, in a statement back in March, as the donations were being announced.

Melfort was allotted $100,000 as a part of the foundation's donations. They have used $25,000 to create a perfect way to honour the 2017/18 Broncos team, as well, engage other kids to continue having fun while playing the sport. 

"It's something that a few members of our committee had seen in other facilities before. We were looking for something that was going to engage our community, still tie into hockey and recreation, and this covered all those bases for us," said the City of Melfort's Facilities Manager, Leonard Whitney.

The rink was constructed in the lower level of the Northern Lights Palace, the Home of the SJHL's Melfort Mustangs.

"We hope that there is every opportunity available for kids to go out, have fun, and enjoy life, so we are hoping that is what this does," said Whitney.

The rink is currently built and functional. The City of Melfort will be unveiling the mini stick rink on Friday, October 4th, when the Melfort Mustangs host the Humboldt Broncos.