Over the course of the 2018-19 season, Estevan Bruins defenseman Johnny Witzke has pitched in throughout the community and earned himself the distinction of RBC Community Ambassador for his work away from the rink. On Monday, February 18, he lived up to the title by raising money for the Estevan Family Center with a free skate.

After delivering the money on Tuesday, March 5, just under $350, Witzke spent some time at the Family Center with the kids and even showed off his singing pipes.

"They were excited," he said, "I got to see a bunch of little kids and we had sing time, singing some songs. It was fun." Asked about his own signing skills, he added, "I like to think I'm a pretty good singer, I'm pretty well in tune in the car but without any lyrics or music I'm pretty bad."

The skate, held during Family Day in Saskatchewan, was a way for Witzke to give back to the community once again and get some young players on the ice during what would normally be a day off for him. 

"I just wanted to give back to the Family Center in some way. I just put out a little donation box and everyone that came donated and I'm grateful for that."

The third-year Bruins defenseman has a connection to the Family Center close to home through his billet family. He said this helped him decide where to send the money raised by the skate. 

"My billet mom has volunteered or helped out there the past three years," he said, "and I know my billet sisters have gone there in the past. It's a big deal with my billets and I'm sure it is with the community as well."

Witzke, a 20-year-old from Bismarck, North Dakota, is in the midst of what will be his final season of junior hockey. He has played all three of his junior seasons in Estevan with the Bruins and has 99 points in 162 career games. Last season he was named the team's most popular player.