When the Tisdale Trojans were created 30 years ago, the AAA league wasn’t sure how long they would last.
“When the organization was given the franchise, they were told that it would only be for three years, we’d likely wouldn’t last because we’re in a small community,” said Pat Bladen, the team’s treasurer.
Ten times that amount of years later, the team – the only community-based team in the league that isn’t privately owned or supported by a town – is celebrating its longevity over an August weekend.
“We want to blow our horn, that 30 years later we’re still here and that our community has supported us for 30 years.”
The celebration weekend will begin with a welcome back and registration on Aug. 18. Heather Westgard has been collecting scrapbooks and photos of the team since 1988, while Wayne Styan, whose son played on the team in the 1990s, has also collected memorabilia.
“We’re having all that memorabilia on display on the Friday night,” Bladen said.
On Aug. 19, the day will begin with golfing, followed by a 3-on-3 tournament in the afternoon and tours of the team’s new dressing room.
In the evening, there will be a banquet that’s open to the public. There will be an open mike session for former players and volunteers to speak about their experiences. The team is also hoping to have Will McLarity, the team’s first president, speak. He was the one that spearheaded the committee that worked to get the franchise when Humboldt folded their AAA team in favour of their new Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team.
“Tisdale decided to put a bid in and they had a short time from the time they were granted the franchise until they had to put a team on the ice,” Bladen said, adding it was a matter of months.
The weekend will end Aug. 20 with a goodbye brunch.
Involved in the committee to organize the event are Bladen, Joanne Luck, Heather Westgard, Trevor Styan, Terry Ellis and Dwight Olson. They have been planning for six months. They have sent invitations to 400 people so far.
“We really want people to spread the word,” Bladen said. “If you know anybody you know was involved with the Trojans, send them off a text, email or phone call and say, ‘hey, come on down to the anniversary.’”
The team has also given back to the community. It replaced the seats in the arena and recently built a dressing room.
Bladen said the 30-year milestone will only come once.
“Being a billet and being on the executive, I’m excited to see who all’s going to come back. Hopefully some of my past billets will and I know lots of billets that don’t billet anymore would like to see their billets come back too.”
