Don't have tickets to an Olympic hockey game in Vancouver? No problem, because Canada is hosting the United States right here at home.
麻豆社国产residents have a chance to watch international hockey while contributing to community and global humanitarian efforts when the 麻豆社国产Wolf Pack faces off against the Twin Cities Northern Lights Tier 3 Junior "A" team at Brennan Park Arena before the Torch Relay celebrations on Feb. 4.
The Rotary Club of 麻豆社国产is partnering with the Minnesota squad, which consists of Rotaract members and Rotarians, to promote Olympic ideals while raising funds to establish a local KidSport program and eradicate Polio.
"I like the idea of having an international understanding event," said local Rotary president Ian Davis. "It mirrors the Olympic idea of bringing people together to understanding through sport, so it's appropriate to do it in conjunction with the Torch Relay."
麻豆社国产Rotary partnered with the Northern Lights of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MJHL) after the team's owner, Rotarian Stephanie Smith, visited 麻豆社国产to propose the event and present past Olympic tours. The idea developed when Smith was on staff at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Four years later, she took her hockey team to Turin, Italy to take part in the 2006 Winter Games.
"I realized that there's a great opportunity, a platform that the Olympics provides and that a lot of the local kids wouldn't be able to see a live international game because tickets were hard to get," she said, adding that 麻豆社国产was on board right away.
"We've had great reception and we're pleased with the hospitality that's been extended to us. It's exciting to see the partnerships."
The Northern Lights is contributing its funds to Rotary's End Polio campaign while promoting literacy during its tour, which will include games against other Pacific International Junior Hockey League (PIJHL) teams.
麻豆社国产Rotary, which has raised in excess of $7,000 to the campaign this year, chose a community-based target, as suggested by district manager of recreation, parks and tourism Janet Gugins.
The hope is that the funds will help establish a local KidSport chapter, which would provide financial support to children who cannot afford to play sports. The idea is that local athletic associations would agree to raise annual fees by $1 and divert the extra money to those in need, said Davis.
For the Wolf Pack, the game provides some new competition and a chance to be a part of the Torch Relay celebrations, said head coach and general manager Matt Samson.
"It's a once in a lifetime experience for these guys," he said.
The feeling is mutual, according to Smith. Although hockey comes first for her players trying to climb the Junior ranks, the extra civic duties they take on strengthen their overall development. She hopes the team becomes a model for other Rotary communities like Squamish.
The upcoming tour will be a highlight of the Northern Lights season, she said.
"You can see that they're just starting to get that glimmer in their eyes and anticipation," she said. "The experience to be able to be a part of the torch celebrations in 麻豆社国产[and] to be able to just be a part of the Olympic feel, there's nothing like it on earth."
The game starts at 3:30 p.m. and tickets cost $10.
麻豆社国产Rotary is calling for corporate sponsors to purchase blocks of tickets so that elementary students can attend the event free of charge. Those interested can contact Bianca Peters at [email protected].
