The Canadian Premier League paid tribute to local doctors and paramedics during Saturday’s CPL Final between Forge FC and HFX Wanderers FC in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Following the playing of the national anthem, the match coin and ball were delivered to referee Juan Marquez by the two matchday doctors, Dr. JF Bader and Dr. Stuart MacKinnon.

After delivering the ball to the referee and following the official the coin toss, the doctors stayed with the referee crew and both team captains for the pre-game photo.

“On behalf of everyone involved in the Island Games, the Canadian Premier League would like to thank and acknowledge all the medical professionals from Prince Edward Island who have been an integral part of the Island Games success. Dr. Bader and Dr. Stuart are representing all the doctors who have been in attendance at all our matches providing their support and we appreciate their support,” read a league statement.

During the post-match setup, the North Star Shield trophy was carried onto the pitch by the matchday paramedics, Nic Clory and Valerie Bordeleau. The paramedics stood beside the North Star Shield on the pitch for the duration of the post-match ceremony, until it was delivered to Forge by CPL Commissioner David Clanachan.

The paramedics are members of Island EMS, and the CPL wanted to acknowledge their service throughout The Island Games.

“Paramedics Nic Clory and Valerie Bordeleau are representing all the wonderful paramedics who have been at every Island Games CPL match being available to assist and support when necessary,” read a league statement.

“We not only appreciate their contribution to the Island Games but we would like to take this time to acknowledge all the health professionals from PEI who have helped contribute to the Island Games Success including the nurses who were providing weekly testing during our stay in Charlottetown. We would also like to take this moment to acknowledge all the front line workers from coast-to-coast who have been dedicating their time to keep all Canadians safe. We are extremely grateful.”