'Catastrophic error' eliminates Saskatchewan's Team McEwen from Brier
Mar 08, 2025
A risky triple-takeout with McEwen holding the last rock in the sixth end ended in disaster.
The town of Wynyard and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) are both condemning events that happened at and after a Senior A hockey playoff game between the Round Lake Bears and Wynyard Monarchs on Feb. 28 at Co-operative Place in Wynyard.
On Wednesday, Wynyard Mayor Sigourney Hoytfox released a statement saying the town regrets the allegedly racist incidents that affected Indigenous visitors who made the trip from the Ochapowace Cree Nation, the reserve where the Round Lake Bears play.
Read more:
- Free hockey league gives Regina kids a chance to play without barriers
- Kevin Marsh, Team McEwen looking to end Sask’s Brier drought
“The town is deeply sorry that what should have been a safe, welcoming event where everyone could enjoy a shared love of hockey was marred by ugly words and hurtful behaviours,” said Hoytfox.
“The town is taking this situation very seriously. This behaviour has no place in our community. The incidents that took place have had a significant impact on our entire community. The town will be taking a number of actions going forward.”
In the fallout of the incident last week, the FSIN released a statement of its own on Friday calling for an immediate end to online harassment and retaliation that’s occurred since the game.
“While there were concerning incidents at a recent game in Wynyard involving treatment of First Nations players and fans, we must address the subsequent online harassment from members of our community directed at individuals involved in the incident,” the statement reads.
“I urge anyone participating in this conduct to immediately cease,” Ochapowace Cree Nation Chief Shelley Bear said.
“We want to engage in a positive path moving forward. We must be the example of the respect and dignity we seek from others.”
The rest of the statement from the FSIN goes on to say that the viral spread of the incident on social media has led to unacceptable behaviour and does not reflect its values.
“We must ensure that our response to injustice does not itself become unjust. All parties involved — fans and community members — have a responsibility to contribute to healing rather than escalating tensions,” the statement adds.
“We urge our community members to immediately cease all forms of online/offline harassment directed at individuals associated with the Wynyard incident.”
Some of the steps the Town of Wynyard has taken after the Feb. 28 game include engaging with the FSIN to understand how it can make its facilities more welcoming, inclusive and accessible.
The town is also reviewing its policies around alcohol consumption at games, safety plans for recreational events and committing to partnering with First Nations communities to provide ongoing learning opportunities, including cultural humility, anti-discrimination response training and cultural understanding for its community members, staff and council.
The town will also be adding a code of conduct sign inside the arena.
Read more: