Warriors spend day with local youth
Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer
Approximately 30 Sioux Lookout and area kids made their way to the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena on March 9 to spend the afternoon with the Sioux North High School Warriors boys’ hockey team.
The event featured a meet and greet in the lobby where participants got autographs and photos with the team and their recently-won NorWOSSA championship trophy. Following the meet and greet, kids got to play some ball hockey and court games with the players in the Recreation Centre gymnasium and then they all hit the ice for some friendly scrimmages.
“It feels good to have the community behind us. It really puts into perspective how much of an impact we’re having on the community by going to OFSAA and leading the way. It’s nice to be a part of a team like this where we get to do that,” said team captain Kendall Schulz during the meet and greet.
The event is part of ongoing fundraising efforts to help pay for costs associated with their trip to the OFSAA tournament in Kincardine, Ontario March 19-21. The event was sponsored by Tim Hortons, Giant Tiger, Sharon and Gord Edmond, Blue Heron Drive Bed & Breakfast, Drayton Cash & Carry, Fresh Market Foods, Best Western, Sioux Lookout Minor Hockey Association, and Lisa Bailey.
When asked about the upcoming tournament, the players made it clear that they’re definitely in it to win it.
“It’s just an amazing feeling to go back to playing elite hockey at a higher level. There was some good games there last year, and we’re hoping to improve this season and make it worth our while for sure,” said Schulz.
“I think our mindset is coming a little different. Last year we were going in like we were there for fun and we were looking forward to just be able to play those teams, but now, after getting to see what the teams were like last year, I believe we have a chance. I think the team believes that as well, so we’re going to go there, compete, and try and take it home,” he continued.
“I’m really hoping we do pretty good this year,” said forward Ben Martin.
In addition to this event, the Warriors have other ongoing fundraisers including a raffle prize draw and Buy a Puck campaign. Raffle prize draw tickets are $20 each and include prizes like a five night and six day houseboat trip and tickets to upcoming Winnipeg Jets home games. The draw date is March 14 at 7 p.m.
The Buy a Puck campaign, which is running from March 5-13 (today), features supportive ‘pucks’ that are for sale for two dollars at both Fresh Market Foods and Fair Convenience.
Anyone wanting to make a donation towards the Warriors OFSAA trip can contact team manager Jennifer Schulz at [email protected].