September marks five months since the tragic accident that forever changed so many lives. The unbelievably difficult aftermath of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash has been evident, as countless people were impacted by the incident.
One Martensville family has decided to take their grief and try to create something good from it. Georjeana Christianson, along with her family and friends are organizing a fundraiser called ‘Bowties for Logan’, which will be held November 2nd at North Ridge Community Centre in honour of Broncos team captain Logan Schatz who was killed in the accident. Funds raised through the event will be going towards a scholarship at Martensville High School in Schatz’s name. “Education was really important to Logan. He really strived to do well in school and we want to do something for him in that regard. His ultimate goal was to go to university, which he would have been starting this year,” Christianson explained. The scholarship will be for a student that is planning to attend post-secondary education and, “is a good person, a good leader, tries really hard and have a goal in mind that they will work hard at attaining. That’s how Logan was and that’s how we want to honour his memory.”
Schatz, who was Christianson’s first cousin, spent much time in Martensville and made many connections within the community during his time here. Starting at the age of 15, Schatz played hockey with the Bantam AA Sask Valley Vipers and with the Midget AAA Beardy’s Blackhawks. Living in his hometown of Allan, SK made it impossible to play for our local teams, so Schatz moved in with the Christianson family. In his second year, he returned and this time brought a friend – Nick Shumlanski, who was also involved in the April 6th accident and survived. “Throughout the years, we have had three billets stay with us, and they become more than that. They become family – another son for my husband and I, older brothers for our children and members of our community.” With plans to move back to Martensville this past summer, Schatz was unable to return to the city that he considered home for multiple years. “He just loved it here. He loved the people, the community, everything.”
Logan was known for donning a bowtie anytime that he was required to dress up and could be seen in one prior to most games. Christianson chose to use this item as a symbol for Schatz and with every ticket purchased, a bowtie will be included. “We hope to fill that hall with bowties for him. We just thought that this was a good way to give back to the community where he lived and that he loved.”
When describing Logan, Christianson became visibly emotional and the sense of loss was apparent. “He was so vibrant and had so much personality. He loved to help others and was such a positive role model, not just for my kids, but other kids in the community. At one point, he grew his hair out and when he cut it, he donated it to cancer. He just had a big heart…..he was a good kid,” Christianson said. As captain of the Humboldt Broncos, Christianson said that earning his role to lead the team wasn’t based on whether he was the best player or not, but because of his ability to bring out the best in others. “He was always encouraging others to be better, not just on the ice, but better off the ice as well.”
Although Schatz was only 20 at the time of his passing, he had many experiences and accomplishments in his short life including travelling overseas to represent Canada in Ball Hockey. “He was so wise beyond his years and when he had a goal, he worked towards it and reached it. He had fun with everything he did and had a laugh that lit up the entire room. I am just hoping that this event will help people heal, my family included.”
Doors to the 19+ event will open at 8pm, with a program beginning at 9pm which will include a lyrical dance for Logan done by Christianson’s daughter. Following the program, there will be a dance with music provided by Electric Cattle Company and Gong Show, with Boom Box Entertainment, a DJ that will be filling in the space between the two bands. The event will include a cash bar, silent auction and food available for purchase.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $25 at ClassC Artisans Boutique, by calling (306) 261-2817, or at the door for $30.
