10/13/2026
The 2026 Evan Thomas Memorial Fund recipients, Amos Cortez and Hector Kauenhofen, have been awarded funding to cover their registration fees with Winkler Minor Hockey.
Established in memory of Evan Thomas, grandson of Frank and Betty Thomas, the fund honours Evan's love of hockey and the friendships, connections, and sense of community the sport provided throughout his life. Following Evan's tragic passing in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6, 2018, the Thomas family created the fund to help ensure young athletes can access opportunities to play hockey, regardless of financial circumstances.
Each year, the fund supports two youth by covering their minor hockey registration fees. For Amos Cortez, the opportunity has allowed him to pursue a dream he had since moving to Canada three years ago. Through minor hockey, Amos has built friendships, enjoyed travelling to different communities to play, and continues to develop his skills and passion for the game.
The Thomas family hopes the fund will continue to help young people experience the same sense of belonging, friendship, and opportunity that hockey brought to Evan throughout his life.
