The novice St. Albert Jr. Raiders beat the odds to win $10,000 for the St. Albert Minor Hockey Association.
The Raiders were selected in a random draw from 18,480 entries from across Canada as one of three grand prize-winners through the Esso Medals of Achievement 30th anniversary contest.
Hockey teams from Turner Valley and South Delta, B.C., were also awarded $10,000 donations from Imperial Oil for their associations.
The draw took place March 23 in Toronto by an independent third party.
Raiders’ coach Keith Waldbillig was informed of the team’s biggest victory of the season by email.
“When I got it I was a little worried that maybe it was a scam because when you get an email saying you won 10 grand, it’s usually not true, but not this time,” said Waldbillig.
One of his first calls to announce the windfall was to SAMHA president Dave Bell.
“I asked him if there was any way I could put some input in to where I thought the money should go in SAMHA and he seemed receptive to that,” Waldbillig said.
A goaltender’s program was at the top of his wish list.
“They’ve talked about it for years and years and years and have never done it.
“I said to him, ‘Here is $10,000 to get this goaltender’s program started. It’s found money. It’s not something you guys have to worry about,’” Waldbillig said. “I’m an old goaltender myself so I know it’s needed. They need special training and there are a lot of parents out there who can’t afford that so it would be nice if the association could do that.”
Bell is on board with the recommendation.
“SAMHA will utilize the donation to further fund and grow a goalie development program. Having access to these dollars will go a long way in enhancing our player development programs,” Bell said. “We are very pleased with the donation from Esso and greatly appreciate their overall support of minor hockey.”
Established in 1981, the Esso Medals and Certificates of Achievement program recognizes players who contribute to the game of hockey through dedication, effort and fair play.
Three medals of achievement – most improved player, most dedicated player and most sportsmanlike player – are available to every hockey team registered with Hockey Canada through the free program.
Each team can also receive certificates of participation to recognize the efforts of every player on the team.
To date, nearly two million Esso Medals of Achievement and more than 30 million certificates of participation have been awarded to boys and girls in Canada on behalf of Imperial Oil.
Every year Waldbillig participates in the program for the team he coaches.
“The medals are kind of cool to give out to the younger ages. They like getting some bling at the end of the year so I order four sets of these medals so I could give them out to everybody on the team,” he said.
Waldbillig’s winning entry in the contest also made the season extra special for the Raiders.
“We had a very successful year. I wanted to take a bunch of kids I hadn’t coached before and try and bring them along. Everybody developed largely and all the parents would agree with that,” he said.
The team of eight- and nine-year-olds and the coaching staff will gather Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. at the SAMHA office in Akinsdale Arena for the cheque presentation by Imperial Oil officials.
