The annual Yorkton Terrier Sportsman's Dinner, one of the major team fundraisers. was held at the Gallagher Centre Saturday night.
The evening opened with a prime rib dinner followed by the program, 50/50 draw and an auction of hockey memorabilia.
The master of ceremonies for the evening, the inimitable Don Chesney kept the audience entertained with tales of his early days as a youngster, player and first time coach of the Melville Millionaires. According to Chesney, his cowboy and hockey player pajamas had a major impact on his life as a hockey player and later, cattleman.
As coach of the Millionaires, Chesney recalled his first morning in the office. A phone call invited him and his team out for what he thought was an exhibition game in an area community. It was only after he hung up the phone that he realized the caller was really looking to hire the Melville Rhythmaires.
On a serious note Chesney says it was great to see a sell out crowd at the dinner. It was great for the players who only have about a dozen games left in the season before heading into playoffs.
Chesney characterizes Terrier coach Trent Cassan as one of the brightest up-and-coming coaches in Western Canada. "I have no doubt about that at any level," he declares.
The two work as a team, going over every detail to make sure the right decisions are made.
As the season winds down, the new players as well as those returning from injuries, it's just a matter of the team gelling.
Chesney feels the team has managed to get a handle on the team finances with fan support and solid marketing. "The fans are happy with what's going on with the team and everybody's getting excited about the run for the playoffs," he suggests.
The Terriers want to wrap up first place and make certain the team is healthy for the playoffs, Chesney reports. "That's obviously where the power is and that's where the money is to be made. Hopefully we can go deep in the playoffs this year," he says.
Terrier board chairman, Lyle Walsh extolled the Terrier heritage and thanked fans for their support during the season.
With only five home games remaining in the regular season, he exhorts fans to take in some games.
Walsh thanked the sponsors for their loyal support.
The billets were excellent says Walsh.
The Terriers understand everyone is busy and the team is working hard to earn and maintain fan support, says Walsh.
He encourages players to enjoy their stay in Yorkton. "This year we've got some excellent gentlemen that are putting that jersey on and representing our team and our community," Walsh states. He characterizes the players as a trouble free group, who enjoy what they're doing, They're dedicated. They want fans at games. They want the best for themselves. They're very happy with their coach and their staff, he adds.
Walsh welcomed Terrier goalie Luke Boechler, who is doing very well in battling a serious illness, back to Yorkton.
Walsh couldn't resist but offering some marriage advice to the players. Without going into details, it seems he advises the players to marry a school teacher.
The army of Terrier volunteers drew Walsh's praise as well.
Game day ticket sales and season ticket sales don't generate enough revenue to support the team. The result, Walsh intimates, the club needs to do a lot of fund raising. All the money raised at events like the annual dinner, bingos, and selling admissions at the summer fair go directly to the Terriers, he reports.
Yorkton City councillor Chris Wyatt brought greetings from the city on behalf of mayor James Wilson who was out of town for the evening.
The program was rounded out by guest speaker Jeff Odgers who recounted his years as a player in the NHL.
Next week, Odgers tells all.
