Kids in the community got to bowl with the Broncos on Feb. 3 & 4.
The Humboldt Broncos participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Humboldt Bowl for Kids Sake, which was the kickoff for the Bowl for Kids Sake week, which runs from Feb. 8-14.
Humboldt Broncos defenseman Corey Dambrauskas said that contributing to events like Bowl for Kids Sake was a no brainer for the team.
“They support us, they come to our games, watch us and whatever we can do outside the rink to help them out and have fun why not give it a go,” he said.
Dambrauskas also said that helping out with events like this is “better for the community.” He said he feels that is a big part of being a Bronco.
“Get known around the community as good people and kids people and helping everybody. I think that’s a big part of hockey and being a Bronco,” he said.
Broncos goalie Carter Seminuk said that helping out was also really important to him.
“It’s a great charity, great cause, also helps us connect with the youth in Humboldt,” he said.
Acey Toye came out to bowl with the Broncos and was really happy to have the chance.
“They’re fun to play with and they’re really good at hockey so I always want to play with them. Now whenever they have hockey games, I want to sit beside the bench all the time,” he said.
Having the Broncos come out to the event was great for the Bowl for Kids Sake event.
Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Humboldt Stacey Poss described it as “so cool” seeing the Broncos out conversing with the kids.
“So many of our kids are Broncos fans but more so it’s really about mentorship and just hanging out with our kids and being a part of the community too for the Broncos,” she said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer and big sister Megan Parker brought her little sister to the event. She said that it was exciting for her little sister because people always see the players on the ice but they do not necessarily get the chance to meet them in person so it was a great chance to do so. Parker was glad they got the chance to see them.
“They’re good guys, they’re fun, they’re still competitive while they’re bowling but they’re really encouraging for the little kids so that’s good to see,” she said.
Poss also thought that getting to know the Broncos as people and not just as a number was a big deal for the kids as it is a chance to feel apart of the Broncos fan base.
Bowling is also a fun activity for all involved.
For the Broncos, since they have experienced a great deal of turnover on their roster this season, it was also a great chance for the players to do a little bonding while also helping the community.
Seminuk said that the team was looking forward to the chance to bond as well.
“A bunch of us were looking forward to it so it’s been fun,” he said.
As the season winds down and the games become more important, going out bowling as a team would also help them take their mind off the stretch drive, says Dambrauskas.
“We should be better but we really gotta tough it out the last couple games of the season and try to make playoffs, so anything to get our mind off that helps a lot,” he said.
The Broncos went out for a two game northern road trip starting the day after they finished bowling with the kids on Feb. 5.
Big Brothers Big Sisters now gets a couple days off before the Bowl for Kids Sake week begins on Feb. 8. Poss says that it is a busy week but they are looking forward to the event and seeing the people that are coming out.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing everybody and saying hi and just having fun,” she said.
