Here are the top feel-good stories of Sask. in 2024

Unpleasant headlines often dominate the news and 2024 was no exception. Despite the darkness, some stories always emerge to attempt to show humanity at its brightest.

From a community accepting a hockey team with open arms after their rink closed, to a 90-year-old man still living out his passion, here are some feel good stories from this year in Saskatchewan.

Assiniboia rolls out red carpet to hockey team

The "Assiniboia Weyburn Red Wings" will be playing in the "Heart of the Golden South" for all games till Christmas. (Source: @weyburnredwings)After the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Weyburn Red Wings were left without a rink due to mechanical issues with the ice plant, the community of Assiniboia did not hesitate to help.

Within less than a day of the team’s plea, the generosity of the community was evident, with accommodations for players, coaches, ice time, and meals all offered.

• Assiniboia rolls out red carpet for SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings after rink closure

The town ended up with more billet families than necessary, something the mayor said speaks to the heart of the community.

The team was temporarily named the Assiniboia-Weyburn Red Wings while they stayed in the town, and it was a wonderful experience for all involved.

Regina Humane Society gets a new home

The Regina Humane Society opened its doors to its new location. (Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

After years of planning and waiting, the Regina Humane Society (RHS) was able to move into a new building big enough to house a multitude of stray animals.

The new facility is twice the size of the RHS’s old facility, and features a fully functional veterinary clinic, two dog parks, an adopt shop, communal areas, and educational spaces for school groups.

• Regina Humane Society moves into new home

The RHS was at their old location for almost 60 years, but the building presented challenges apart from lack of space, including biosecurity.

The new location is also designed and functionally organized to provide best practice biosecurity, odour control, and acoustic control, something that will contribute to keeping the facility functional for years to come.

Longtime football assistant makes on-field debut

Cole Haas has been a beloved member of the F.W. Johnson Wildcats football team for nine seasons since his older brother Cory started playing for the team. (Photo submitted by Darryl Haas)

Cole Haas, a longtime football assistant with the F.W. Johnson Wildcats football team was able to make his on-field debut after nine seasons.

Haas, who has Down Syndrome, had been a constant presence at practices, offering water and pep talks to the team, with every player welcoming him wholeheartedly.

• Meet the longtime high school football assistant making his on-field debut

2024 marked his final year in a specialized program at the school. Before moving on, Haas had the opportunity to join the team on the field before their matchup with the Thom Trojans.

As Haas took the ball to the endzone for a touchdown, he was surrounded by cheers and people chanting his name, closing off his time with the Wildcats.

Page-turning robot allows woman with M.S. to reclaim love of reading

Terry Sleeva and Daniel Molder pose with the robot which allows Sleeva to keep enjoying her book collection. (Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

A Saskatchewan woman was able to get a form of independence back with the help of a page turning robot.

Terri Sleeva was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1984, which gradually affected her ability to read, which is one of her favourite things to do.

• Page-turning robot allows Sask. woman with multiple sclerosis to reclaim love of reading

Daniel Molder created the robot. It works by using suction to lift up the page and then a wheel to turn it and can be controlled either by voice activation, or by a manual toggle which Sleeva can use her chin to maneuver.

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Sleeva and Molder credit the Tetra Society for creating a friendship and for helping Sleeva reclaim her love of reading.

Slo-pitch player still living out his passion at 90-years-old

Bill Neald, 90, has been playing with Regina's Senior Mixed Slo-Pitch League for 26 years. (Brit Dort / CTV News)

Bill Neald is a man who proves that age shouldn’t come in the way of living out a passion.

He joined a senior slo-pitch league in its inaugural season, and at 90-years-old, was the eldest member of the league.

• 'I just really like the sport': Meet the 90-year-old local slo-pitch player still living out his passion

His teammates considered him an inspiration and a constant source of encouragement, with Neald saying no one in the league takes the game too seriously.

After joining 26 years ago, Neald had said this year would likely be his last on the league.

However, his teammates said they would try to convince him to stick around and play for one more year.