Fabulous fans follow Bisons

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

For four UFA Bison fans, the memories cherished at arenas where their beloved team has played will never be forgotten.
From the one and only Mac’s midget tournament win or the epic five-overtime league final almost 10 years ago – a game many around the community still talk about – are unforgettable moments.
But most of all a strong friendship has been created and they all can enjoy some great Bison hockey together.
“The fans and the good support they get in Strathmore, but hockey is the main thing, it’s been really good hockey,” Lucy Hanson, who has been coming to games for 18 seasons.
Her most favourite moment of coming to the games so far has been the boys winning the Mac’s title.
“My favourite thing was when we won the Mac’s tournament, but to come to the rink and just to get out and meet the people, parents and just the camaraderie,” said Hanson. “We go to all their games at the Mac’s, I don’t think we’ve missed a game. We go to all the different arenas and during the season if we can, go to some of the other games in Calgary.”
She believes that the program is one of the best in the midget leagues and her favourite player is former Bison and current Calgary Flame Mason Raymond.
For John Cooper, watching Bison games for 20 years has just been a real enjoyment for him to come to the rink and cherish the atmosphere.
“It’s a great night out, you can’t beat it. I’d rather watch this than the NHL because these kids are really trying, it’s not a business with them, it’s a game,” said Cooper.
He doesn’t have a favourite player but has really just enjoyed watching the team year-after-year.
“I can’t tell you who my favourite player is … they’re all my favourite players. They’re all good kids trying to do something,” said Cooper.
The fan support the team receives, for him, has been the best in the league.
“I think it’s great. You look at Calgary, they don’t get near as much fans as we do,” said Cooper. “I think I’ll support them as long as I live.”
John’s son, Randy, has joined his dad through all the seasons and has enjoyed every minute of every game.
“I like the Bisons, it’s a good brand of hockey, it’s right next to junior hockey and nothing else compares to it as far as I’m concerned,” said Randy Cooper. “I like coming to watch the kids play, whether they win or lose, we’re always there to watch them and support them.”
He recalls from the first time they stepped on the ice until now how productive the team has been.
“It seems like it was yesterday when they first came to Strathmore but it has been a good run,” said Randy. “It seems like we’ve been getting better quality players all the time.”
Another fan, who is well known around the rink as Hogie, has noticed the year-by-year change with hockey and has noticed how the Bisons have benefitted from it.
“The way things have changed over the years, with better skaters, shooters and bigger kids has been great,” said Hogie.
He has been a big supporter of the town and caught on to the hockey scene fairly quickly here.
“I love Strathmore, that’s why I moved here and support the teams,” said Hogie. “You see the same people, a lot of friends made here and it’s a great feeling.”
His favourite moment was the five-overtime game back in the 2004-2005 season and his favourite players were Mason Raymond and Dan Bertram.