Bisons spread holiday cheer

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The CFR Bisons held their 15th annual ‘Christmas Shopping with the Bisons’ event in conjunction with Strathmore’s Calgary Co-op on Dec. 13.
The local triple-A midget team helped over 20 children of single-parent homes select gifts for their loved ones and offered a helping-hand in the wrapping process.
“It’s a pretty special day for us,” said Bisons General Manager Wayne Hansen. “The vets, when they come back, the one thing they talk about on top of the Mac’s tournament is the fact we do this event. We’re extremely grateful to Calgary Co-op for 15 straight years of sponsoring this. What our kids get out of this is just how fortunate they really are. They play hockey at an elite level and the next time they’re out there breaking a $300 stick … maybe think about that a little bit, because that can go a long ways in households.”
Hansen said that one thing the organization thrives on is building mature young men, not just hockey players.
“We all read about when we move into junior A, major junior and start playing pro hockey, there’s a give-back part where you’re in the community, you’re doing things,” said Hansen. “That’s our job here to train these kids to move on and be prepared to play at the next level and that’s not just hockey. That’s about being good community people. I think that’s why you see hockey players who are playing pro, [they] are so good at giving back and you don’t see a lot of them in trouble.”
He added that community events like these boost communications skills for the players while giving them a better idea on how to deal with the public.
“These Bisons, it builds some character with them, showing them that things like a $300 hockey stick they got, that can feed a family for a month,” said Andy Piche, Co-op’s meat department manager. “I know these kids are really appreciative and Co-op has always been a part of it, so we love doing it.”
Bisons Captain Kyle Gordon thought it was really important to give back to a community that gives them a lot of support and love.
“It’s an eye opener to realize how fortunate we are,” said Gordon. “It’s definitely something I’d like to keep going.”
He said his favourite thing about being with the kids is seeing them happy while picking out a gift for their family members.
Rookie defensemen Liam Rycroft said it helps kids build character as well as making it a good experience and fun.
“That’s what the holidays is all about right is giving back,” said Rycroft. “These kids don’t have a lot. They come here wanting just to have fun. Being around a bunch of older guys. It kind of gives them an extra hop going into the Christmas holidays.”