The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings bring excitement to Crescent Point Place every winter, as fans pack the arena to cheer on their favourite SJHL team. While the team helps to bring the community together, there are other benefits that are seen throughout the city.
Kellie Sidloski is a city councillor here in Weyburn and is also a billet, hosting Luke and Ethan Dekay, a pair of brothers from London, Ontario. She noted the team helps to provide a boost to the economy of Weyburn – even more so when it is a successful season like they are having this year.
“You have these players who may have not even known where Weyburn was on a map prior to coming here, and they come and play here, and live here,” Sidloski shared. “Then in turn, their families, their friends, their parents come to visit, and so it’s a fantastic way to showcase the community and what we've really got going here.”
The families of the players aren’t the only ones who come to Weyburn. Fans from other teams, and the teams themselves, come to the city for games. They eat at local restaurants, stay at local hotels, and spend money at the arena which in turn helps the franchise.
The community spirit the team fosters is also important, added Sidloski.
“The Red Wings do an incredible job of getting out in the community,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s like that everywhere on different teams, but they do an incredible job of getting out, volunteering, being present in the community, whether it’s in the schools, at Boston Pizza, or out on the ice with these young teams.”
Being a billet parent has also helped Sidloski learn more about the process, and to see firsthand the impact the players can have. Her family originally signed up to be a billet during the preseason and then signed up to be a billet for the whole season. The experience has been positive for everyone.
“I don’t think I was prepared for how much that would have an impact on our family,” Sidloski told Discover Weyburn. “We’ve really taken to the brothers, and they fit into our family really well, so it’s been a fantastic addition.”
There is also the way the players have become role models in the house.
“Our youngest just started playing hockey this year, and played U5,” Sidloski said. “It’s been pretty incredible having these role models in the house with him and just seeing them on the ice.”
The impact of having the players be a positive role model, not just in her house but throughout Weyburn, is something not lost on Sidloski either.
“You have the boys out there in the community, and it’s teaching the younger generations how important it is to volunteer, to get involved with others,” Sidloski commented, adding that the players also help to foster good discipline and the importance of a good routine.
“Anyone who has been thinking about billeting a player, please reach out to the Red Wings,” she added. “They are always looking for good families to take in these boys.”
The Red Wings open the 2025 Canterra Seeds Cup Playoffs Friday night when they host the Battlefords North Stars in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. Game 2 is Saturday night, also at Crescent Point Place.
“Please, head down to Crescent Point Place this weekend,” Sidloski said. “Let’s fill the rink and show the Red Wings some love.”