When community events that support local not-for-profits are going on, you may also find the Portage Terriers helping out.
Recently, three members of the team took part in the Coats for Kids dispersal, which provides essential items like clothing to families in our community.
Adler Johnston, Nolan Nenow and Cameron Bullinger all took part in the event, and Johnston shares what their role was.
"We volunteered with United Way last night (Monday, November 4) and did some coats for kids, helped out with that. We were able to help some people find some coats to keep themselves warm in the winter, and it was really cool."
Nenow adds some of the other things they've done.
"Yeah, we've read books to kids at school, just making their day, and honestly, just around town seeing everyone, every kid looks up to us, so making their day as special as it can be, it means a lot."
Johnston adds that seeing the kids all enamoured with their presence reminds him of growing up around a junior hockey team.
"I looked up to them. They were role models, and they have an impact on the kids, right? So, I think just being able to give back to the community and create those relationships with the younger generation, the kids in Portage, and start conversations with them, and give them your time. It's awesome, it means the world to them because I experienced it first-hand, and it meant the world to me when I was younger too."
Nenow says that the things they do aren't necessarily always about volunteering either.
"Even the simple, little things that we do in the community, like holding a door for someone, or saying 'Hello,' maybe transfers to them someday, and you don't really think about it until you're done doing it. It really makes, not only their day, but your own day, showing them not only how to live as a hockey player, but as a good human, so, it feels good."
Community activism is not new to the Terriers, with the players actively working with Big Brothers Big Sisters and several other local organizations.