The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings have had a great year both on the ice as well as off it. Sitting at 5th place in the SJHL and only three points away from 2nd place, the Red Wings are primed and ready to compete for a third straight playoff berth. However, their performance off the ice has been even more impressive, being active within the community and fundraising for many organizations here in Weyburn and the surrounding area. Ryder Burns is the sales and marketing director with the Red Wings, and he explains how community is such a big part of their team.
“It's something that I can tell we like to do with the team, because the community is a big part of our success. You know, putting back into the community is kind of our thanks to them helping us throughout the years."
This year, the Red Wings have raised almost $23,000 for local organizations such as the Weyburn Legion, Family Place with the Festival of Trees, and the Salvation Army. As well, helping out beyond their community with people donating to their Movember fund, raising over $2000 for men’s health.
The Red Wings have also begun doing an “Everyday Hero” campaign. An initiative that allows people to nominate a player recognizing their contributions and making a difference within their community. A campaign that Burns states has seen positive outlooks both with the community and with the players.
“After the first one, some of (the players) didn't really know what it was. Once they realized what it was, they wanted to get more out there. So, I'm sure a lot of the guys will be more in the community trying to win that monthly nomination so that they can get their prize basket from all of our generous donations from people around the community as well.”
Community has continually been a high priority with the Red Wings, as they understand the people they help within their community, are the ones that attend the games, buy their merchandise, and overall support their team. As Burns states, as great as winning is for the players, there’s more to it when it comes to being a hockey team.
"I know there's lots of other community volunteering efforts that doesn't even necessarily get noticed, they kind of do it behind the scenes and it's a big part of their role as being on the Weyburn Red Wings. They know to get fans in the seats, it's not always about winning. It's about people wanting to see you as a person. So, if they can get their own fans to come support them as a player, they'll bring more people (into) the stands, and I know people love when the barn is packed.”
The Red Wings play their next game tomorrow, December 10th in Melville against the Millionaires before a 2-game homestand on Friday and Saturday against the Kindersley Klippers barring any delays in repairs to Crescent Point Place. Catch all the Red Wings road action tomorrow over on Country 106.7 starting at 6:45 p.m. with the pre-game show.