The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins would have had a difficult financial year in 2017-18 if it wasn’t for playoff revenue.
So it was clearly a good thing the club played three home dates in front of over 2,600 people each for the Canalta Cup final and sold season tickets during that playoff run.
“We would have definitely been in a loss position financially last year if it wasn’t for the playoff run,” said Bruins president Cory Prokop, a couple of days after the Bruins’ Oct. 18 annual general meeting. “It made a huge difference. We has huge support from the fan base of Estevan and the corporate community and it shows in the financials.”
The Bruins netted a whopping $1,081,446 in revenue from the regular season and playoffs last year, and had $768,930 in cost of sales. The club made a gross profit of $312,516, less $299,142 in expenses, making a total net income of $13,372.
That leaves their overall balance still $86,153 in the red. Two years ago, that number was $171,331.
Last year’s financial statement showed the profit from the Western Canada Cup and brought the Bruins $71,806 in net income.
“If it wasn’t for the donation … last year would have been a tough year and if you compare our numbers to that, they’re very, very promising,” Prokop said.
The playoff run saw the team gather $239,701 in revenues from game day gate admissions to 50/50 sales and game day sponsors, while spending $113,115 on billet costs, travel and meals and equipment. That translated to a $126,586 profit for the playoffs.
This year the team has started off slow in the regular season but Prokop hopes that picks up in the coming weeks.
“If we can get a consistent run here going and have those fans who have bought those season tickets (out) for some good hockey, that translates into bigger crowds as the season progresses and we’ll see hopefully some financial success again this year,” he said. “It would be nice to have another long playoff run, of course.”
There is a ton of corporate support for the Bruins in the community as well, something Prokop believes is crucial to any team’s financial success in the SJHL.
“We’re very lucky to have the support that we do have here in Estevan,” he said. “The corporate community has stepped up year after year and this season is no different.”
The board has been happy with the performance of head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood and the coaching staff.
“I think he’s done a good job in continuing to make sure we’re competitive and improving the team from year to year during his tenure here,” said Prokop. “I think he’s confident that this year will be another step in the right direction. The pipeline of talent looks pretty strong into the future and I think you witnessed that at the camp here in the fall. I think he and the rest of us are pretty excited about this season and the future of the team.”
The board will remain the same with the exception of Brian Skojnsby deciding to leave as his term expired. His replacement is Josh Biggs.
