It’s almost junior hockey season, and Crescent Point Place will host not only this year's Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings but also a packed house of dedicated fans. While the on-ice action is what brings people in, there’s a lot more that goes into making game night happen.
Brenda Clarke is the volunteer coordinator for the Weyburn Red Wings. She says they have up to 40 volunteers running every game night.
“Without our volunteers, we would not be able to run the season. We have 35 to 40 volunteers a game. They do everything from ticket sales to meeting people coming in, 50-50 sales, running the bars, running security. There's so many different areas of volunteerism with us that everybody is welcome.”
These positions include running ticket sales, security detail, and manning refreshments. There’s also a team of volunteers running the production side of things, including the camera, video board, lights, and scoreboard.
It’s not all work however, as volunteers have access to certain perks. This includes free admission to the games they work, and a ten percent off discount at the team store. Sales and marketing director for the Weyburn Red Wings Ryder Burns, says the atmosphere is the main draw.
“It was a winning team last year and I know a lot of people were excited when we went into the playoffs.”
“Whether you're in the team store or you're out in the crowd, there's always a great atmosphere with all the fans. I think that's one of the greatest parts about it.”
Clarke continues, noting they also host volunteer events throughout the season.
“Last year we did a Christmas, New Year's, after New Year's supper that we had the volunteers, the billets, and the players at, then we had an end of the season barbecue. There's also that kind of stuff that goes on.”
The first opportunity for this year's volunteers to get together will be on August 26th, when the organization is hosting a meeting for new and returning volunteers. Clarke says they’ll provide information on the different roles and line up volunteers for the first games of the preseason.
Burns says the preseason games are a great opportunity for new volunteers to learn their volunteer positions with less pressure.
“If you're new and you're worried about messing something up in a real game, that's just our red and white game from camp.”
Still, Clarke assures that even in the regular season, there is always someone from the staff or board to assist if things go awry.
“If you mess something up, there's always somebody around to help you figure it out and get it fixed very quickly. So you're never on your own as a volunteer here."
She also notes volunteering does not require a season long commitment.
"You're a volunteer. I don't expect you to have to be at every game. If you can come to a game, great. If you have to miss games, that's fine. Just let me know type of thing. It's not an absolute commitment. It's when you can."
She encourages anyone looking for an opportunity to volunteer to attend the meeting on August 26th, which will be held at Crescent Point Place in The Nest, or Room D, at 7 p.m.