A trust fund in memory of a junior hockey player who was among the 16 people killed in the April 2016 bus accident in Saskatchewan will help ensure local youth have the opportunity to play hockey here.
A signing ceremony Monday afternoon formally established the Evan Thomas Memorial Trust Fund in partnership with Winkler Minor Hockey and under the umbrella of the Winkler Community Foundation.
The fund was started six years ago following the accident, but the family, which has some roots and connections to Winkler, may not have anticipated it growing to this extent.
“Initially, it was overwhelming … we got thoughts and wishes from around the world,” said Evan’s grandfather Frank Thomas, who was on hand with his wife Betty at the ceremony. “This idea of turning it into something that can be perpetual is huge … we’re hoping we get some people from within this community come along and come for the ride and help kids. We’re proud to represent Evan this way.
“Evan liked hockey. He loved the people,” said Thomas, who recalled a family conversation with Evan when there were thoughts about having to leave for university. “He said, ‘Dad, I can’t leave these guys. I can’t leave my team’ … hockey was a conduit to all the other things that make sports worthwhile.”
The idea can be traced back to 2022 when the Winkler Flyers alumni were celebrating the 25th anniversary of their MJHL championship, and the proceeds of a 50/50 draw were donated to the Evan Thomas Memorial Trust Fund.
“I think that partly came about because one of our son’s was actually on that team,” said Thomas, who has two sons who played in Winkler and graduated to the Flyers as well as three grandsons who played here. Thomas also coached here and still has friends in Winkler.
He recalled there was about $3,400 that the family boosted to $5,000 to give back to the community, but Ryan Friesen of Winkler Minor Hockey had the idea of creating something longer lasting.
“The whole intent was to make differences in the community and kids in Evan’s name,” said Thomas. “We hope through this initiative we can put together a few tens of thousands of dollars that we can at least cover registration for one male and one female every year to play hockey.
