Sioux Lookout Bombers merchandise store launched
Reeti Meenakshi Rohilla - Staff Writer
The Sioux Lookout Bombers launched their exclusive online merchandise store last week, giving fans of the newly minted Junior A hockey team an opportunity to support the team.
“Lots of hockey fans out there, lots of sports fans, lots of specific NHL fans, and I think there is opportunity for fans to share their fandom. They can be a fan of an NHL team, but they can also proudly support (their) local team and show some support to young people who are trying to have a hockey career of their own. And I think this Junior A team is a great way for people to support that, it goes a long way,” said James Brohm, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Sioux Lookout Bombers.
“Primarily, it supports the team operations. But, it is also good to have another outlet for people to shop for gifts or even as collector’s items,” said Brohm. “We want people to wear the logo out and around town and be proud to wear it,” he added. The Sioux Lookout Bombers are the town’s new Junior A hockey team within the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).
Their merchandise store officially opened on May 17. “We were originally planning to open it so that we could facilitate pick up after the May 21 lifting of the stay-at-home order. Unfortunately, that’s been extended and we didn’t want to extend the opening any longer,” said Brohm, adding, “I think there is an added value, in terms of keeping your fandom, keeping your dollars to a local organization like the Bombers.”
The online store is currently offering a selection of hoodies, tees, joggers, Bombers mask and their 2022-2023 seasonal tickets, among others. “We’ve got some other smaller items that we’ll likely be bringing out either on a limited basis or trial basis, and maybe add them into our collection. And we’d also like to produce some seasonal and topical offerings for events like…Canada Day…or the start of the hockey season or playoffs and things like that,” said Brohm.
Proceeds from the merchandise store will go towards the team for start-up costs, expansion fees, and facility upgrades, among others. With the current stay-at-home order, all sales are being processed through the online store, with Catspaw Printing being the pick-up location. Brohm said that they hope to open in-person, as restrictions allow. He added that moving forward, they are also seeking other partnering retail locations in Sioux Lookout, with plans to offer some store-exclusive merchandise at those locations.
As the Sioux Lookout Bombers prepare to launch their new franchise for the 2022-2023 season, they have instituted the Bombers Builders campaign to partner with community members and businesses, with a goal of raising $150,000 by July of next year. “There is a lot of opportunity for people to become Bombers Builders, either as an individual or family or some organized group, if it’s a workplace group or even just a group of friends. There’s opportunities and different sponsorship levels available as well,” said Brohm. “Some of the higher levels of the Bombers Builders sponsorships, there are some perks that roll forward including a credit for advertising. We’re not entirely sure what our advertising plans will look like once we start in to our operating season. But, there is definitely opportunities to do that,” he added.
Brohm explained, “There is an expansion fee that’s needed by the league to bring the team on board. There are also additional start-up costs that the Bombers Builders sponsorships will go to the support as well.”
To shop for merchandise or make a donation, visit the store’s website at
https://bombersmerch.square.site/. The website consist of a link to make smaller, or custom amount donations. Brohm said that anyone looking for a larger sponsorship could contact Sioux Lookout Bombers Director of Business Operations, Joe Cassidy, at [email protected] or 738-1257. He added that for further up to date information people could refer to Sioux Lookout Bombers social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
“I have no doubt that there’s a lot of support for these type of activities in town, and I think we are going to meet our fundraising mark, and we are going to put some great stuff in place for the community to enjoy,” Brohm concluded.