On Jan. 25 the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs hosted over 200 military personnel and family members from 4 Wing Cold Lake for their annual tribute game.
Tribute videos were shown, the Pontiacs entered the ice through protection arch, and the military band played the national anthem.
Overall, it was a great way for a sports organization to honour people that serve our country and bring the military families together with the rest of the community.
It is times like this where a sport is about more than just a game.
“Our kids, we want them to know that they are involved in a program that is beyond the confines of a hockey arena,” said Pontiacs head coach and GM Rick Swan.
“Show them what it means to give back, to value giving back and too see the benefit of giving back. This is one way that we can do that. We are tremendously excited and proud to be able to host a tribute for (the military) and to be able to take the donations from the sale of the jerseys to and give it to a great cause.”
The special camouflage jerseys worn by the Pontiacs during the game were auctioned off, raising over $10,000. The team will donate the money to the Bonnyville Health Centre at the upcoming Hospital Gala on Feb. 15.
Before the game, the Pontiacs players and coaches had the opportunity to tour CFB Cold Lake, a trip Swan described as “eye-opening”.
“It was phenomenal. I think it was an eye-opening experience just to see how different their jobs are,” said Swan. “It provided the guys with a little sense of empathy, that it is not just a military game where we are wearing a different uniform. It is an opportunity to play for the soldiers and the hundreds of men and women in the armed forces.”
The players said they enjoyed the game, with Bonnyville captain Locke Muller saying it was a night he will “remember forever”.
Defenseman Ryan Black, who is from Stillwater, Minnesota said, “Even though they are not from my country, it is nice to support the men and women of the military.”
Over the past few years, sports organizations throughout North America have been using their games to honour certain citizens and promote initiatives, making it more than just a sporting event.
Hospital visits have also become a staple for many professional athletes around the world. Not only do sports organizations donate many to local health centres, the players take the time out of their days to support and visit children in hospital.
In the NFL and MLB, the leagues take a month during the season to raise awareness for breast cancer. Players suit up in pink gear as a way to promote the initiative.
Players from all four major leagues (NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA) have joined together to promote the “You Can Play” initiative, which is attempting to break the barriers for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) athletes.
Professional leagues are some of the few organizations that have the ability to reach and affect millions of viewers around the globe on a nightly basis, and it is nice to see them using this reach to promote and raise awareness for a variety of topics.
