On a warm March 16th afternoon, in the middle of its annual winter festival, the town of Allan and area gathered to celebrate and honour a fallen son. The Allen and District Communiplex was christened the Logan Schatz Memorial Arena.

A crowd of several hundred people was welcomed to the arena by Allan’s Mayor Les Alm. Among those attending were former Bronco Assistant Coach Chris Beaudry and several former players. Alm presided over the ceremonies held informally in the arena lobby amid the various activities set up for the winter festival. Alm noted that Logan Schatz first learned to skate in the arena that now bears his name. He began playing hockey as an Allan Jr. Flames member before moving up the ranks of organized hockey.

Schatz was one of the youngest players named to the captain’s position and one of the longest-serving Bronco players having been with the squad for his entire junior career. His offensive productivity through those years was astounding. Always known for his calm leadership ability, Schatz exhibited a level of maturity and thoughtfulness beyond his years.

Former Allan School teacher, Craig Reinhart spoke about Schatz’s spirit and legacy. In an emotional address, Reinhart called Schatz “an unbelievably great kid who lived every day to be a wonderful human being.”

Mayor Alm continued to explain the two plaques, one inside the sports complex and one outside over the main entrance. Adorned in green and gold, the ornate wooden plaques were crafted and donated by one of Logan Schatz’s former teachers, Brian Hinz of Humboldt Collegiate. Hinz, a gifted artisan, connected with the family about designing and creating the plaques to honour the Bronco’s captain. The interior marker incorporates a pair of Logan’s hockey sticks, one of which bears his inscription and his number 20.

Speaking to the media, Logan’s parents, Kelly and Bonnie Schatz, once again expressed their appreciation for the love and support of their community and others. Kelly Schatz reflected, “This is where he started playing; this is where he ends playing in that respect. It’s just kind of fitting.”

Kelly Schatz reminisced about Logan’s start at the skating rink and his connection to the place. “When he was little, I was actually the caretaker of the rink, so I had keys. Even if it wasn’t open, I’d get him in here and he’d skate. He’d spend hours out there. You had to drag him off the ice.” He spoke lovingly about his coaching his son in Logan’s formative years, developing skills and strategies for the team. Those teams responded to Kelly’s and Logan’s leadership.

When asked about the well wishes they had received from other Bronco families, Bonnie Schatz expressed her deep appreciation for the multitude of messages, “Most of the Bronco families wanted to be here if not for  the distance away. There are a few Bronco families who are here, but they all wished us well.”

Kelly and Bonnie Schatz are genuinely humble people, proud of their son’s accomplishments and deeply grateful to their home community of Allan. When asked about how they felt regarding the dedication and Logan’s legacy, Kelly confided, “It’s a pretty big honour. You often wonder is he going to stay remembered as time goes on. You know he will be, somewhat. It’s there forever along with our little corner.” He affectionately refers to Schatzy’s corner, the beautifully crafted mini-rink in the corner of the arena where the youth of Allan can come to begin honing their hockey skills.

Given the outpouring of love and the heartfelt exchanges between families, friends, Broncos, and visitors to Allan, it’s safe to say that Logan ‘Schatzy’ Schatz will be remembered for all time.