‘Joel could make your day better:’ Nipawin mourning loss of diehard Hawks fan

The community of Nipawin was saddened recently to learn of the passing of Joel Verklan, otherwise known as Goobs.

Verklan was one of the Nipawin Hawks’ biggest fans, always cheering on loudly from the stands and handing out fist bumps to all of the players.

Emma Galloway is the SJHL team’s athletic therapist and has worked with the team for nine seasons.

Galloway says Verklan made such a huge impact on so many people, no matter who or where they came from.

“He was just always kind of pumped to be at the rink,” Galloway said.

Verklan would help the team by filling water bottles, collecting pucks, and performing many other tasks that were necessary to run the organization.

But, most importantly, he was always there to provide a positive light.

It’s how he got his special nickname, according to Galloway and the Verklan family.

“That nickname, from what I’m told from his family, came from a couple (of) previous billets,” Galloway said. “It was kind of a jolly, happy fool and that was who Joel was.”

Verklan was always wearing a smile and introducing himself, making sure to make everyone in the town feel welcomed.

“If you were having a bad day, Joel could make your day better,” Galloway said.

In his spare time, Verklan loved to play as many sports as he could manage.

“Joel was involved in Special Olympics and (played) floor hockey, bowling, golf, bocce ball, and curling,” Galloway said. “Those were big parts of his life.

“He loved going to the lake and going fishing in the summer, and then the winter was all about the Hawks.”

Since the tragic news was released, Galloway says the community has been shaken to the core.

“I’d say it’s rocked the community,” the athletic trainer admitted.