The Saskatoon Blades are hosting First Nations Night this evening and an official with the junior hockey club says they are not aware of any planned Idle No More protests for the game but they are prepared just in case something does happen.
Idle No More protesters have been recently showing up at public venues and events around Saskatoon including the Bedford Road Invitational Basketball Tournament.
Amber Pratt, who handles promotions for the WHL hockey club, says anyone is welcome to attend games but security staff will take necessary action against anyone who tries to disrupt tonight’s hockey match.
“We haven’t heard of anything but we have definitely discussed the possibility of something happening and just making sure our fans are not interrupted if something is going on,” she says. “We try to be a political free zone and that is not really our place to pass judgments on what is going on like that. Tonight is mostly about helping some kids out who don’t normally get to come to games.”
Puck drops at 7 p.m. when the Blades take on the Moose Jaw Warriors and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde will be on hand for tonight’s ceremonial puck drop as well as some First Nations dancers from St. Mary’s school who will perform during intermissions.