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Sports: Regals will operate for 53rd straight season
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
The High Prairie Regals will operate for the 53rd consecutive season despite the real possibility a week ago the club could fold or ask the North Peace Hockey League for a year’s leave of absence.
About 12 people attended the Sept. 15 annual general meeting and decided to keep the club afloat despite mounting financial pressures and player availability.
“To ice a team this year, we need commitment from players to more executive,” said president Lee Hunt. “We’re looking for 15 guys who will be there every day.”
Hunt says the community must also get behind the team.
“We need more support and we need to get the public involved,” said Hunt. “Less and less people are coming to games. They don’t think we’re worth coming to.”
Gate receipts took a whopping 32.61 per cent decrease last year to $18,273 from $27,115 in 2008.
People attending the meeting agreed the team needed to rebuild its community image and cut expenses.
“We need a core group of guys,” said Hunt. “You need to want to play. We’re not going to beg guys.”
And players must step forward to serve on the executive, something Rollie Gladue and Lawrence Anderson immediately agreed to do.
The good news is, the NPHL decided on no interlock this season so most of the games, with the exception of Fairview will be close.
Gladue says he has talked to several players who are interested in playing.
But Hunt, with the support of the executive, had a warning for all players that things this year would be different.
“There will be no frills this year until the club is on its feet,” said Hunt, reminding everyone the executive receives no pay. “Whatever you guys build is yours.”
The executive also vows to get rid of the bad attitudes in the dressing room and rebuild.
“Every player will be treated the same,” said Hunt.
The Regals have received some interest from people willing to coach. They are asking anyone interested to contact the club before a final decision is made.
The Regals will be hosting a four-ball best ball golf tournament at the High Prairie Golf Club Sept. 26.
Call the clubhouse at 780-523-2696 or any member of the Regals executive to register or for more details.
The Regals schedule will be released Sept. 27.
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