Longtime president and current treasurer of North West Hockey Development, Don Hydukewich, pictured here with the plaque on display at the rink in North Battleford from when the association was inducted to the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame back in 2017. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

For Month of December

North West Hockey Development named SHHOF Inductee of the Month

Dec 6, 2023 | 2:44 PM

The North West Hockey Development Association (NWHDA) has been recognized for its contributions to the game in the Battlefords community, as the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame’s Inductee of the Month for December.

Initially enshrined to Sask’s hallowed Hockey Hall in the Grassroots category back in 2017, the Inductee of the Month initiative features a single inductee (player/builder/team/etc) from past years the Hall then brings back to the attention of the public, sharing on their socials as a reminder of some of what’s featured in the HoF.

“It brings it back to the forefront, keeps people interested in the Hall and hopefully generates some interest for when people are in the Swift Current area, that they’ll come visit,” Hockey Sask general manager, Kelly McClintock said of the idea behind the initiative.

December's #SHHOF Inductee of the Month is the North West Hockey Development Association!

Since 1982, this group of volunteers has been the backbone of Battlefords hockey, supporting teams, running concessions + contributing to vital arena projects.

✨ | https://t.co/97rVCPt511 pic.twitter.com/k6RWlDsrwx

— Ted Knight Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame (@saskhockeyhall) December 5, 2023

(X/@saskhockeyhall)

First established as it’s currently known back in 1982, North West Hockey Development Association is a group of volunteers that support Battlefords Minor Hockey and the Battlefords North Stars’ junior hockey team. They’ve run canteen sales during hockey games at the Access Communications Centre, over the past 40-plus years.

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Don Hydukewich, who first joined NWHDA over 20 years ago and served as president for seven years before stepping down and taking on the treasurer’s position this year, said it’s continue to grow over the last couple of decades.

“Since I came on 21 or 22 years ago, it’s been slowly growing and the funds have been going towards the juniors and the AAA [Stars], and whatever organization comes to work the front counter and it’s been good,” he said. “The funds have been there and the people are supporting us and it’s a good thing.”

Over the last year alone, North West Hockey contributed approximately $45,000 to the North Stars and just over $10,000 to the AAA Stars, through volunteer efforts.

President of Battlefords Minor Hockey and the Battlefords North Stars, Kyle Kellgren has worked closely alongside NWHDA for years, and said it’s always great to see them recognized for their efforts in supporting the game locally at its various levels.

“They’ve been a big part of minor hockey, the North Stars, and everything to do with the Civic Centre with the canteen, and it’s just great to see an organization that’s worked so hard to do so much for the community get recognized,” Kellgren said. “It’s pretty special, and we’re very proud that they’re here with us and from the Battlefords.”

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1

by Martin Martinson

North West Hockey Development named SHHOF Inductee of the Month

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