Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis have launched online 50/50 draws to support junior hockey in the province.The Jackpots for Junior Hockey initiative started on Monday and will run each weekend in March.The proceeds from the 50/50 draws will be shared between Alberta’s five Western Hockey League teams and 15 Alberta Junior Hockey League teams.The 50/50 money is meant to help offset revenue lost by the leagues and teams amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both leagues depend largely on ticket sales and sponsorship to stay afloat.“The COVID-19 pandemic has put our 20 junior hockey teams in Alberta at risk of not being able to continue to operate,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison said Monday morning.