Step into any hockey rink in Canada with teenage players and you will find a common activity – chewing tobacco. One La Ronge man is hoping to end a cycle that has been entrenched in sports culture for decades.
Terry Hunt has been involved in the local hockey scene for years. He was recently diagnosed with cancer due to secondhand smoke and chewing tobacco. Hunt has been talking to several junior hockey teams across Western Canada about the dangers of chewing.
“If one guy doesn’t pass that can of Copenhagen on down to his little brother, then my story has succeeded,” said Hunt. “I’m real fortunate that it (cancer) is in remission right now, only God can control that.”
Hunt says the response from teams has been great, noting they continue to keep in touch with him. Hunt adds that some players have quit chewing tobacco due to his presentations, but some have not ended the habit.
“It’s just bred into you, most kids leave home at 13 years old,” said Hunt. “As soon as you walk into a dressing room of a midget hockey player, there’s cans of Copenhagen laying around, and I hope I can make a difference.”