I had a “WTF” moment when I opened up the Whitehorse Star and learned it was shutting down the presses after 124 years.

Shock turned to sadness and eventually hope that the paper could hold on and pull through. What lingers today is my gratitude for the paper.

Sept. 30, 2024, will mark my six-year anniversary in the Yukon. It was the Whitehorse Star that brought me to this territory. They took a chance on me, a recent journalism graduate of Robert Gordon University, and hired me as the sports editor.

My first day was Oct. 4, 2018. I was more than nervous. But everyone helped me settle in as I tackled my first assignment that evening — a volleyball game between the Vanier Crusaders and Porter Creek Rams.

It was a sign of things to come, I suppose. I spent countless hours in gyms covering Supervolley and then Superhoops and enjoyed every second.

It felt like home being on the sidelines, snapping photos, taking in the atmosphere, and chatting with athletes, coaches, volunteers and administrators.

I covered some remarkable stories. Being on the Yukon Quest trail to cover two 1,000-mile races is something I’ll never forget. Nor will I forget being on hand for the 2019 NHL Draft, the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament, and countless Yukon championships and sports-awards ceremonies.

Whether it was historic moments in Yukon sports or not, the Star was always there. I’m thankful for the three years I was responsible for showing up for the paper and the connections I made with the sports community – a community I am still actively involved in both personally and professionally.

To the entire Whitehorse Star team, thanks for taking a swing on me.

With gratitude,
John Tonin.

By JOHN TONIN