Everyone knew the number would be big, but it's still a bit surreal to see the number $201,075 on the bottom line of a Junior A hockey club.
That's the amount of money the Estevan Bruins made last year, it was revealed at the team's AGM on Thursday.
That includes $302,207 in gross profit, $19,979 in "other revenue" (disposal of capital assets and forgiveness of long term debt) and $121,111 in general and administrative expenses.
Making that kind of money in one season in Junior A is unheard of, and certainly confirms the Bruins' status as the richest team in the SJHL.
I wasn't around for the years in the Civic, but everything I've been told is that the team struggled financially and had to make a tremendous effort just to keep its head above water.
Times certainly have changed. When you consider that the team lost roughly $61,000 in their last year in the Civic, the difference one year has made is incredible.
"This would be somewhat of a rarity for a junior hockey club to have a year like this. Moving into Spectra Place was a complete rebirth for this franchise," said Bruins president Jeff Pierson during the AGM.
Obviously the move into Spectra Place is the biggest factor in the turnaround. Bigger crowds, bigger 50/50 pots etc. But the Bruins, and especially marketing director Becky Tait, deserve a lot of credit for recognizing the opportunities that came with it and investing in a few things that should pay off for a long time. The old saying is you gotta spend money to make money and they certainly embraced that.
The biggest thing was buying the 50/50 Central handheld selling system which made it a lot easier for the sellers and really helps maximize revenue. Almost every square foot of space in that arena was sold for advertising and the Bruins found all kinds of things that could be sponsored. Add in the mascot, ice girls, fog machine, lights, human slingshot, t-shirt cannon, and the list is endless. The team has to be careful not to go overboard with what we'll call "entertainment spending", but the investments made last year should pay dividends for a long time.
Meanwhile, four spots on the team executive were open, and while it seemed like there might be an election, that wasn't the case in the end.
Long-time secretary Gayle Gustafson and Trevor Knibbs decided not to stay on for another term. Brent Sauter and Randy Bye were returned for new terms by acclamation, and Brian Skjonsby was acclaimed as a new addition.
Pierson, vice president Chad Saxon and Cory Prokop all have one year left on their terms.
The Bruins are still short one at-large member and are asking anyone interested to come forward.
Back to finances: here is a short breakdown of the numbers that made up an incredible year for the Bruins.
Remember, the fiscal year ended April 30, 2012, so major items like the sportsman's dinner in May (which brought in over $70,000) are not reflected here.
Regular Season
Revenues: 356,254
Major items: Season tickets (177,646), game day gate (99,386), 50/50 (71,787).
Expenses: 420,221
Major items: Total equipment (62,907, including 20k for sticks), billets (46,290), salaries and benefits (145,182), bus rental (52,692).
Total: $63,967 LOSS
Playoffs
Revenues: 54,563
Major items: Game day gate (41,995), 50/50 (11,877).
Expenses: 14,834
Major items: Billets (3,850), bus rental (4,375), playoff fees (4,474).
Total: $39,729 GAIN
Corporate sponsorship/advertising
Revenues: 268,219
Major items: Signage and logos (183,041), patron advertising (67,978).
Expenses: 40,303
Major items: Board signs/ice logos (34,379)
Total: $227,916 GAIN
Fundraising
Revenues: 60,525
Major items: Truck lotto (56,325)
Expenses: 40,106
Major items: Truck lotto (36,555)
Total: $20,419 GAIN
Other
Revenues: 181,214
Major items: Player transfer (25,050), SJHL Showcase (71,936), 3-on-3 hockey (34,611).
Expenses: 103,104
Major items: SJHL Showcase (67,776), Player acquisition (12,473), 3-on-3 hockey (10,494).
Total: $78,110 GAIN
So we see that the Bruins made $4,180 from the showcase and $24,117 from the spring 3-on-3 program. The 3-on-3 money was then donated to Estevan Minor Hockey and the City of Estevan.
Check out next week's Mercury for full story.
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If you're looking for the fifth episode of Bruin Banter TV, it will be posted sometime this evening.
