UNITY — Those who attended the game featuring Team Canada East vs Russia Dec. 12 in Unity did not leave the rink disappointed.
The fast-paced action of world junior hockey was an incredible show for all in the stands. There have been dozens of big ticket games hosted at the Unity arena and all have held financial benefits for the beneficiaries that had been named; as well as economic spinoffs in the town.
Being that the committee had only a few weeks to pull together this event, the financial results at the end were well worth the craziness they experienced while in preparation mode.
The committee held a meeting on Jan. 14 and announced around $10,000 was generated from the game. Sponsorship was a factor in the high return and for this the committee is grateful.
The World Junior A Hockey committee of co-chairs Rick Hill and Rick Blanchette and members Deb Sander, Dan Feser, Gerald Hauta, Nicole Goldsworthy, Shaun O’Brien, Wendel Jellison and Carey Baker decided how to divide the money. In addition to groups committed to when the project began, the committee agreed to donate $750 towards the fund to help the Team Canada East player who had been severely injured later that week during a game in Kindersley. The remaining funds will be divided up giving around $2,500 to the Unity Miners Hockey club, $5,000 to Unity Minor Hockey and the remainder, estimated at $2,500, has been set aside for an upcoming arena project.
There was some discussion on what arena project would be undertaken. Suggestions ranged from lobby TVs to display arena scheduling and other upcoming events, to possibly thinner netting, seat backs or set aside for upgrades to the Zamboni when that need arises. Committee members decided to wait a few weeks until they received quotes for the many great suggestions that were given and come together once again to make a final decision.
Were they happy? “Heck ya” was the resounding answer. Considering the short time frame they had to organize, plan and man the event, organizers were thrilled with the overall results. Besides the obvious beneficiaries that saw direct results from the dollars raised at this event, it was clear other groups involved in the event were smiling too. The booth saw long lineups from three hours prior to the game right until the last visitor left. KidsSport was able to generate revenue selling their calendars. The Journalism 20 class received dozens of emails and texts regarding their work covering the event. The community as a whole felt that the extra attention and extra visitors the game brought to town was also a bonus, which was one of the goals this committee had in mind when bidding on this game a year ago.
