The annual meeting for the Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings was held at the Ramada in Weyburn Wednesday night.
Those in attendance heard about how the past season went for the Red Wings, on and off the ice. The team had a short, but memorable playoff run, going to seven games against the Humboldt Broncos in one of the most entertaining matchups of the postseason last year.
MNP shared the financial statements for the Red Wings showing continual growth within the organization. There was a roughly 20% revenue increase compared to 2023 with steady increases to both revenues gained, and expenses paid. The overall value for the entire Weyburn Red Wings organization crested the million-dollar mark, making the Red Wings one of the more financially viable teams within the SJHL.
One of the financial aspects that was discussed was the stagnant season ticket sales. The team is hoping to get more season ticket sales ahead of the new campaign, as this would give some assurances on the books with the cost of things such as travel, hotels, and meals all increasing. The team is hoping they can see a surge in season ticket sales, as they are hoping to be in the top four of the standings so they will have home-ice advantage heading into the playoffs.
Head coach and general manager Cody Mapes talked about the situation when it comes to the roster, noting there will be 11 players returning from last season, but only three returning defencemen, so there will be some new faces. There is confidence, though, from head coach and general manager Cody Mapes.
“I think one thing that we are really going to learn to appreciate pretty quick is our back end is veteran, and our goaltending is veteran, and we’re going to have to score by committee up front, but I think we’re going to be able to lean on those guys in the back,” Mapes said after the meeting. “Maybe we’ve got to win some 2-1 and 3-2 hockey games early, but we’re excited about that. That’s been a little different than the past couple of years, where last year we knew we were going to score lots and we had to build a backend, and we did that, but I’m excited to kind of work it the other way this year.”
The meeting also saw the introduction of the new assistant coach for the Red Wings, with Casey O’Brien joining the squad. O’Brien has been a skills coach with the Red Wings over the past few years, and previously coached the Yorkton Terriers, as both an assistant and as the head coach. It also saw the introduction of the newest sales and marketing developer Ryder Burns.
The team has also kept 15 billets from last year, and two more have signed on for the upcoming season. The Red Wings are continually looking for billets to help house the new incoming players.
Rule changes coming to the SJHL for the upcoming season were also discussed, including the facial protection changes that will see older players have the option to wear a visor as opposed to a full cage. The original rule stated the 19-year-old players would have had to wear a full mask starting this season.
The team is looking to have an emphasis on local youth development this season, and as they have done for past years, focus on being involved in the community.
It was also announced this past year would be the last term as president of the club for Ray Jarvis as he would be stepping down. The new president was not named at this time.