Community turns grief into something that brings people together

By Joan Janzen

The David Reekie Community Skate for Mental Health was held at Leader’s G3 Ice Plex on Monday evening, December 22. Treena Redman, one of the organizers, reported $610 was raised for the West Central Crisis Centre in Kindersley.

David Reekie passed away on October 29, 2025, at the age of 38, after he was no longer able to continue fighting the personal battles within himself. Hockey defined him, and as a goaltender he found his place in the crease, where his competitive spirit shone brightly.

Everyone attending the David Reekie Community Skate for Mental Health on December 22 in Leader gathered for a group photo, followed by one minute of noise-making to break the silence around mental health. Photos by Karissa Neufeld

While David was goalie for the Leader Flyers, “He became part of our family through our son, Austin,” Treena reported. “The two of them became close friends. He simply became one of us.”

The thoughtful hockey player once gave his University of Sask Huskies goalie jersey to Austin, and on another occasion arranged with the Leader Flyers to present him with a signed jersey. “Every gift had meaning behind it,” Treena said.

The day after the family learned of David’s death, Austin was asked to drop the ceremonial puck at the Leader Flyers’ home opener. “It was an incredibly emotional moment,” she remembered. A coach said he noticed how hurt Austin was during the tribute and wished he could do something to put a smile on his face.

“One morning I woke up with the idea of creating something positive out of this loss, something that honoured David while helping others,” Treena said. Plans came together very quickly, people stepped up to help, and the response from the community was overwhelming. Baking, treats, prizes, and mental health ribbons were donated, hot chocolate was served, and fun activities on the ice were enjoyed, all free of charge.

The seventy-five people who attended gathered for a group photo, followed by one minute of noise-making to break the silence around mental health. “It was powerful and something I will never forget,” Treena recalled.

She said the event meant so much to her and her family, and from the conversations, hugs, and shared moments, she realized it meant a lot to others as well.

“We wanted this event to remember David while also reminding people in our community that mental health and addictions support exists here, and that no one has to navigate those struggles alone,” Treena concluded. It is hoped this will become an annual event as a tribute to David Reekie and an encouragement for other communities to hold similar events.

Treena said, “If this loss has taught us anything, it’s that kindness matters, connections matter, and paying it forward can help turn grief into something that brings people together.”