Bisons host fundraiser

Justin Seward

Times Reporter

 

The UFA Bisons in partnership with four other Foothills triple-A associations, the AC Avalanche, Airdrie Extreme, Rocky View Raiders and Rocky Mountain Raiders, will be hosting a fundraiser on Jan. 30 at the Strathmore Civic Centre starting at 6 p.m. Highlights of the evening will include JR Matthew Hypnotist and Sportsnet hockey analyst and former N.H.L. player Mike Johnson, who will be guest speaking. The goal of the fundraiser is to reduce the fees of playing with triple-A programs and to cover the cost of the mentorship for coaches. “The Foothills triple-A association is made up of five feeder teams, and that’s Airdrie, Bow Valley, Okotoks, the Foothills Bisons, which is High River, Claresholm area and Strathmore,” said Greg Beauchamp, marketing coordinator for the Foothills triple-A association. “The Foothills is a development feeder association, so all these five teams work together to get players ultimately to the UFA Bisons and other triple-A teams as well.” The development of coaches and players starts at the double-A level and the association will mentor them along so they can make the next step to triple-A, but they need costs covered for the programs. “In a lot of ways, it’s really to get the double-A kids to the next level and with that comes mentorship, skills programs, coaching clinics that is done through the triple-A association, “ said Beauchamp. “That’s where fundraising has to happen because there is a cost of renting ice (and) getting mentorship.” There is a cost for the coaches to be involved because it is required from minor midget 15 and up to attend these clinics. “For those coaches, it’s mandatory for them to go to the triple-A’s clinic like UFA’s coach. It’s recommended for the double-A’s, but all the coaches are invited to go from all five centres to the coaching clinics,” said Beauchamp. These are all factors as to why a fundraiser is necessary for the cost purposes of playing and coaching the game. Guests to the fundraiser can expect a fun-filled, entertaining night that will help players be involved in high caliber hockey. There will also be an auction – up for grabs are WestJet vacations and door prizes –and people in attendance will be treated to a roast beef buffet dinner. He added that they’re about two weeks behind in selling tickets, but to get them you can log onto www.bisonshockey.com and click on the ‘Pub Fundraiser’ link on the home page. The cost for the evening is $35 each.