The St. Albert Steel have launched a Drive For Five campaign to sell 500 season tickets.
“We have seen a steadying decline every year, since our inaugural [2007/08] season, going from 454 season ticket holders down to 117 last season, making it impossible to operate a junior A franchise with these numbers,” said Greg Parks, head coach and general manager of the Alberta Junior Hockey League team.
The Steel are calling on the community and local businesses to help with the initiative.
“We are a valuable part of the community and an important program for players, creating opportunities for young athletes to achieve the next level,” Parks said.
Strong corporate partners have allowed the Steel to be involved in community initiatives, including donating tickets to school programs and St. Albert minor hockey.
The Steel are also moving towards putting more St. Albert players in the lineup than in previous years.
“It’s important that we keep it local,” said Wes Werhun, one of two new Steel assistant coaches with strong ties to the St. Albert Raiders Hockey Club. “We are looking to have more local players on the team and keeping a strong connection to the community.”
For less than $300, season ticket holders receive 30 home game tickets to use all at once or individually. Tickets are not dated. Corporate ticket holders can use them as staff incentive or client appreciation.
The Steel’s regular-season home opener is Sept. 16 against the Sherwood Park Crusaders at 7 p.m. at Performance Arena
Since the relocation of the Fort Saskatchewan Traders to St. Albert in 2007, the Steel have never advanced past the first round and their playoff record 3-12. They were swept by Fort McMurray the past two seasons.
For more information on the Drive For Five, visit www.steelhockey.ca or contact marketing director Finnuala Pollard-Kientzel at 780-499-5530 or [email protected].
The Alberta Football League game between Edmonton Garrison Army and the Lacombe-based Central Alberta Buccaneers on Saturday in St. Albert is also a fundraiser for Cameron Brown.
The former St. Albert minor football player is battling leukemia. His dad, Duane, is head coach of the Bucs and a former assistant coach with the St. Albert High Skyhawks.
Kickoff is at 8 p.m. at the Riel Park turf field. Admission is $5. Proceeds from gate receipts and the sale of $5 orange bracelets will be donated to Cameron.
Both teams are 1-2 in the eight-team standings.
