Inductees

Builder

Brodsky Family

The Brodsky Family were majority owners of the Saskatoon Blades’ Western Hockey League (WHL) franchise from 1976 to 1980. In 1980, the Brodsky family became sole owners of the Blades and would remain owners up until 2013. During this time, the Blades were six-time regular-season division champions, advanced to the WHL championship on two occasions, hosted the Memorial Cup in 1989 and 2013 as well as led the host committee for the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship. In 1989, the Blades advanced to the Memorial Cup championship game in their home rink, coming up short after a heartbreaking overtime loss against the Swift Current Broncos.

The Brodsky family ownership group included father Nate Brodsky, children Rick, Jack, Bob and Debbie Brodsky, who all played a role with the club. Nate Brodsky’s ultimate vision for the team was to have the Blades become a staple in the fabric of the community. It was intended that players and staff be heavily involved in local initiatives throughout Saskatoon. The Blades were recognized for this work when they received the Saskatoon Achievement in Business Excellence award for community involvement from the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.

Rick Brodsky served as the team governor from 1976 to 1992 when he purchased the Victoria Cougars, a franchise he sold in 2014. Rick was WHL chair of the board from 1986 to 1990. Jack served as team governor from 1992 to 2013. Both Jack and Rick served several terms on the WHL executive committee. The family's commitment to education for the players came through as Rick was instrumental in creating the WHL Scholarship Program and Jack was chairman of the WHL’s education committee until the team was sold. Jack also served as the WHL’s representative with the Saskatchewan Hockey Association (now Hockey Saskatchewan) board of directors.

The family’s commitment to the community became well known and understood throughout the city. The Brodsky family was recognized for this commitment by B'nai Brith in 2007 when they were awarded the "We're Proud of You Award" at the annual Silver Plate Dinner.