Dressed in camouflage, the Elmira Sugar Kings will still be recognizable: they’ll be the team playing for a good cause.
Support Our Troops is the theme of the home game Jan. 30, with all proceeds going toe the London Military Family Resource Centre (LMFRC). The organization’s aim is to enhance the quality of life of military families in southwestern Ontario.
“We are a community-supported team, and we want to give back to the community,” explained director Steve Webb of the drive behind the hockey club’s event.
The LMFRC was chosen because it does good work for military families, with all the money staying local to the area served.
In honour of the troops, the Kings will be sporting special camouflage jerseys and matching socks. The Royal Canadian Legion colour guard will take part in the opening ceremonies, with Cpl. Scott Hahn of Elmira, who served in Afghanistan, dropping the puck.
While the game’s in action, a silent auction will be underway, with each of the game-worn jerseys up for grabs.
“The players will take them off right after the game and hand them over to those with the winning bids in the auction,” said Webb.
The Kings are hoping for a good turnout, as that will increase the size of the contribution to the LMFRC.
“As a club, we’ve guaranteed a donation of $2,000. If we can fill the rink, we can make that closer to $5,000.”
The team will likely do a cheque presentation during the second intermission, after the gate has been tallied and organizers know just how much has come in. Early indicators show the community is very interested in the fundraising initiative.
“We’re a community-based team. All the directors are volunteers. We get great support from local business. We have great fan support,” said Webb. “We thought we’d like to help another organization.”
London Military Family Resource Centre runs a variety of programs for military families, from community engagement and orientation, to education and employment services. Support programs are also available in the areas of family separation and reunion, crisis and intervention, positive parenting and care-giving.
The Support Our Troops game is set for Jan. 30, when the Kings welcome the Cambridge Winter Hawks to the Woolwich Memorial Centre. Game time is 2 p.m.
