Fraser Lake – A hockey-driven trip to Prince George has given Fraser Lake residents a day to remember.
The PG Cougars sponsored a special game day Nov. 2 for two bus loads of Fraser Lake hockey players and guests who took advantage of the group-rate tickets and a few other priceless perks.
“We had our own section and everyone was wearing a minor hockey jersey. We looked like a sea of red,” said Amber Carter, recreation director for the Village of Fraser Lake.Everyone who went on the trip not only got to watch an exciting hockey game, but also got a free toque along with some food vouchers. For an added bonus, the team with the most kids got to sit on the home bench during the Cougar’s warmup which was the Fraser Lake Midget girls team.
Names were also drawn for other community kids to sit on the bench.
“We even had our own locker room where we got to put our helmets for skating afterwards, it was really cool. They treated us really well and in turn, they are hoping to come out this way,” said Ms. Carter, who hopes to have the PG Cougars come to Fraser Lake in the new year.
Throughout the game there were frequent shout outs to Fraser Lake mayor and council as well as all the minor hockey teams. Afterwards, the Cougars signed autographs and pictures before a session of free public skating.
Andy Beesley, vice president of business for the Prince George Cougars hockey club, said it was a great day all around.
“It’s a new ice age and we have to try new ways to reach out to communities. By featuring Fraser Lake on the score board and giving special time with the mascot, it included them in the game as part of the entertainment,” he said. “It’s a really special moment to be able to sit there with the players. We also mentioned them many times on the P.A. so everyone in Prince George knew we had visitors. We want to recognize that hockey and active sports for young people is something we want to celebrate, encourage and role model. If we can use our games to make players excited in their own sports we are excited about that, to keep that sport well and alive in Fraser Lake.”