What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
Nov 18, 2024
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
While it may seem like any other Thursday in Canada, a large crowd outside a Saskatoon store proved otherwise.
Tammy McLaren went to the Canadian Tire at Preston Crossing shortly before doors opened at 7 a.m., only to find like-minded shoppers ready to scoop up Black Friday deals a day early.
“I just made my escape — it’s a little crazy in there,” McLaren laughed.
She estimated 200 people were outside the store around 6:50 a.m.
“The line-ups were very long. Luckily I made it through a self checkout and got my things and left.”
McLaren called 650 CKOM from the parking lot, and described some of the intensity as doors opened.
“Shoving, people trying to get through with their carts … saw a couple people running.”
The behaviour is similar to scenes described at stores across the United States on Black Friday – the day after American Thanksgiving, which has been regarded as the beginning of the country’s Christmas shopping season since the 1950s.
While McLaren couldn’t explain the advance rush in Saskatoon, she said her trip was worth it because she got what she wanted, saved money – and made it to work on time.
“I got a lot of items at 50 per cent off, so that just means I can buy double the stuff,” she laughed.
– With files from 650 CKOM’s Brent Bosker.