Bisons give back

Times Editor

 

The UFA Bisons collected a number of assists over the weekend, and it had nothing to do with their on-ice product.

The organization hosted the 12th annual Christmas Shopping with the Bisons on Dec. 16 at Strathmore’s Calgary Co-op.

The local triple-A midget team helped children of single-parent homes select gifts for their loved ones and offered a helping hand in the wrapping process.

“It’s a humbling experience for our guys,” said Bisons head coach Jeremy Friesen. “Anytime you have an opportunity to give back to the community and spend some time with kids half your age …  it’s great. There is nothing better than seeing a smile on the kids faces. It’s very important for us to be active in Strathmore and give back to the community that supports us so well.”

According to Friesen, the UFA Bisons not only develop elite triple-A midget hockey players, but it also teaches long-lasting life lessons as well.

“We’re a unique organization – the commitment it takes to play here in terms of travel and your off-ice workouts and things like that. (Then) our extra-curricular stuff we do away from the rink (like this event) … we try and encompass as much as we can so when they do get to the next level, there is nothing new (to learn),” said Friesen. “We try and let them experience everything at least once and help prepare them for (junior hockey). I think this is a great event that a lot of other associations can be jealous of.”

UFA Bisons general manager Wayne Hansen agrees.

“You know what? At the end of the day, the smiles and the thank-yous from the parents – some of them almost in tears that their kids had a chance to do this – that’s where it’s all worth it,” said Hansen. “This event is a big part of our organization, to be able to give back to the community. Strathmore and area, they mean a lot to this team. They make this program what it is and it’s more than just a hockey program.

“What we pride ourselves on, as an organization, is not only to develop hockey players, but we develop young men. Hockey is more than a game – it’s a part of life and a way to give back.”

According to Hansen, Co-op has sponsored the event from Day 1 and has been instrumental in the Christmas Shopping with the Bisons for 12 years.

“Co-op has done it every year,” said Hansen proudly. “Twelve years ago, the organization came to Co-op looking for them to sponsor part of it, and they said ‘no, we want to do it all.’

“It has been that way ever since. Without Co-op, this event doesn’t happen, so they’re a big part of it. Co-op is a big part of the community as well, so this is a great partnership for us both.”