Canora – Adam Herold, who tragically passed away in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, was known for being a good on-ice leader. But not as well known was his off-ice leadership in day-to-day life.
Todd Liskowich, close friend of the Herold family and with 25 years of minor hockey coaching experience, once again led the leadership sessions when the Adam Herold Legacy Foundation returned to Canora on Jan. 25.
“Thank you for coming, “said Liskowich. “It means a lot, especially on this cold day when it’s not the best for travel.”
After sharing a variety of useful leadership concepts during the November sessions, Liskowich reinforced those ideas and also asked participants to share how they had been transforming those ideas into actions as community leaders in Canora.
When asked for the characteristics needed to be a good leader, responses from participants included: be kind, be respectful, and do nice things without being asked.
They were asked what they had done to be community leaders since the first leadership sessions in November. Responses include
- shoveling snow off grandma’s porch
- picking up garbage
- Christmas caroling
- older students helping out with younger kids at school; and
- players in older minor hockey age groups visiting practises of younger teams to share wisdom and provide encouragement.
“A big part of being a good leader is being willing to do the little things,” continued Liskowich. “Everyone can do that. If we work together, we can do more.”
A video was shared which included an example of Adam Herold’s leadership. In what turned out to be his last season on the ice, he was playing with both the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL and the Humboldt Broncos of the SJHL. A youngster asked to meet Adam, and of course he agreed, but he was wearing a P.A. Raiders T-shirt. He turned the T-shirt inside out so it looked like a plain green T-shirt, just to make sure his Broncos teammates wouldn’t think he was being a show-off and rubbing it in their faces that he had earned a spot with the Raiders.
“He was only 16 years old,” said Liskowich. “No one told him to do that.”
On the ice, Adam also proved his value as a leader. Coaches said they could put him on the ice at any time and he could be trusted to calm down a difficult situation.
As the video continued, thoughts on leadership were shared by a number of prominent professional athletes.
Trevor Harris, quarterback of the 2025 Grey Cup Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders, said, “Leadership comes from everyone. Another work for it is influencer. Ask yourself, ‘What kind of leadership/influence can I bring to a situation?’ It could be good or bad. Everyone is born with leadership qualities. Always strive to be a better leader.”
Cole Sillinger, a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL, served as captain of the Regina Pat Canadians after Adam Herold.
“Being a good leader includes making sure your teammates are comfortable, which brings out their best in any situation. One good way to do that is by getting to know their families,” said Sillinger.
“When I was a rookie, older teammates made sure I was comfortable and could be myself. Leaders open themselves up so younger guys will be comfortable opening up. We don’t always realize the impact we have on people around us.”
Another contributor to the video was Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets, who emphasized that leadership needs to be consistent.
“Whether it’s your teammates, your family, your co-workers, they need to be able to count on you to be there when they need you,” said Morrissey. “That includes working hard every day, which pushes others to be consistent as well. Good leaders will always authentically be who they are. If you’re not being authentic, chances are you’ll go back to being who you really are at some point and you’ll lose trust.”
Trevor Harris of the Riders said that team culture is an important part of good leadership, on and off the ice or the football field.
“Team culture is all about getting together and working toward a common goal, you have to be willing to participate,” said Harris.
“If you see great body language, chances are the culture is good. Culture drives behaviour, behaviour drives results. Part of that is sniffing out who is struggling and trying to build them up.”
Following the video, Todd Liskowich emphasized that, “The world needs more captains. Most leaders have had successes and failures, be real to be a good leader. Treat others how you want to be treated. Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
“Us older people need you young people to step up, become leaders, and continue building up the community you are in.”
Canora Minor Hockey Association President Stacy Vangen said the impact of the Adam Herold Legacy Foundation has been noticeable in Canora.
“We have seen great volunteerism among all our teams and positivity among families and players. Our families are very thankful for this opportunity.”
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