Humboldt Broncos team up off the ice to promote blood donation

WATCH: The Humboldt Broncos are teaming up off the ice to donate blood and help save lives.

The Humboldt Broncos, who know firsthand the life-saving impact of blood donation, are teaming up off the ice for a national campaign encouraging people to give blood.

The team is taking part in the Fall Get Together Challenge, a national initiative that promotes group blood donations.

For the Junior A hockey team, it’s also become a fun way to bond off the ice.

“We don’t get to do much off the ice, so I think this is something that really gets the guys together,” said forward Connor Miller.

“It’s awesome. Seeing all the guys’ reactions to [having their blood taken], it’s pretty funny and it makes for a good time,” said forward Brayden Skogstad.

Head coach Brayden Klimosko said beyond team building, it’s a way to honour the life-saving role blood donation played after the 2018 bus crash.

“There were so many people that helped during that time, that we’ve got to do our part now. And no matter what, that’s never going to change,” Klimosko said.

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Blood donation has become a tradition the Broncos proudly continue.

“This is a big tradition, especially after the 2018 team and that tragedy. It’s really important to honour those guys and represent our organization in that sense,” said goalie Charlie Tritt.

Lisa Beechinor with Canadian Blood Services said the team’s participation helps inspire others to donate blood, which plays a vital role in saving lives.

“There is no substitute for blood. Donated blood only lasts 42 days. Imagine going to your fridge and needing it refilled,” Beechinor said. “But the difference is, patients’ lives depend on this.”

She said about 5,000 appointments need to be filled each month in Saskatchewan to meet hospital demand and encouraged the public to consider donating.

And for anyone feeling nervous about giving blood, one player said there’s nothing to worry about.

“They make it pretty comforting here, so it doesn’t cause any nerves at all,” Skogstad said.