The Kings gave everything from last Sunday’s game to charity, even the shirts off their backs.
The team held its first-ever charity game Jan. 30, donating all the proceeds to the London Military Family Resource Centre (LMFRC).
For what the team called the support our troops game, the Kings wore special camouflaged jerseys that went to the highest bidders in a silent auction. All proceeds from the gate receipts, as well as the Kings’ share of the 50/50 draw were also donated.
Club vice-president Steve Webb said when the board came up with the idea it did so because it wanted to give back to the community, but it had no idea how much could be raised, but promised LMFRC a minimum of $2,000. At $4,200, the total donated more than doubled that figure and helped the team to set several records as well. The 50/50 draw was $1,500, with the Kings’ portion of $750 being donated, a figure Webb said is the largest in recent memory. As well, there were 1,100 fans on hand to view the Kings’ win, the most in attendance at a single game since the opening game at the Woolwich Memorial Centre.
“It just goes to show that there’s support for the Kings and that support is echoed again in this game, which we’re very happy to see and there is a lot of people interested in supporting these groups any way they can,” said Webb.
The LMFRC support the families of those serving in combat missions and provides them with help and resources in various ways while loved ones are serving overseas. The group’s Cambridge outreach unit was on hand to sell “support the troops” merchandise, which included magnets, bears, apparel and even cookie cutters. They were very encouraged by the results of the day.
The game turned out to be a success in more ways than one, as the Kings defeated the Cambridge Winter Hawks 4-1. Webb said the win, something the team hadn’t seen the four games previous, was an especially sweet victory in front of the large crowd.
“It’s good hockey and for a family you can come out and see one of our games for $25. The parking alone at a Leafs games is $25.” Webb said about the value of a Junior B game. “To have a good competitive game and especially a win helps too, that definitely helps bring people back.”
The team has not scheduled any more special events for the regular season this year, but with the success of the day Webb said another charity game would be a possibility.
“We’re very, very happy to see the support for us and for the London Military Family Resource Centre and we just want to thank everybody that came out and everybody that helped out in one way or another.”
