ASSINIBOIA — The Richardson Pioneer Southern Rebels Jr. B team in the Prairie Junior Hockey League say they have appreciated the great fan support this season, especially while they are still working to connect and develop with new players and a younger team.
“It’s not quite going as expected however we are getting things put together and it takes time to gel,” Club President and Assistant Coach Curtis Nelson says.
“We had two wins in the last five games and we are still getting our team rounded out. We started the season with a new coach too, so it all takes time and patience.”
The positivity in Nelson’s interview indicates team leaders feel the talent they brought in, including the leading scorer in the AA league last year, as well as a player who was top 10 in the U18AAA league will help the team attract more positive energy resulting in more wins.
Carly Tendler is co-ordinator for the team’s social media and community engagement. Their first off-ice opportunity was helping at the community fall supper and their volunteer efforts there were well received.
“It is good to get kids out in the community. We have other activity upcoming including a float in the annual Christmas Light Parade,” adds Nelson.
The assistant coach also notes they have made upgrades in the team dressing room, including four exercise bikes to help with pre-game conditioning. Nelson feels they are getting going gear for players that junior A teams have and it feels more professional.
A team store recently opened. They are the only team in the PJHL that has this option and it is a great marketing tool both in town and for away games, showing team support as well as team promotion. Mini sticks, apparel and other logoed merchandise are available.
The Smiles Per Miles team lottery is underway now with the early bird draw taking place Nov. 24. The grand prize draw of $25,000 will be Feb. 2. Ticket purchases can be made at the Nelson GM dealership or by calling 306-640-7353
“As management, we wear many hats,” Carly Tender says of her role with the Junior B. Rebels,
“ My official title is Office manager and athletic therapist/medical personnel, alongside Donna Fiset. I was a paramedic for approximately eight years. I take care of all apparel, wash jerseys, supply the players with food after all games, book hotels, social media, team volunteering, public engagement, sponsorship, big screen game posts, billets, equipment when our equipment manager cannot attend games, game day rosters and I also talk with players if they are having a hard time mentally as outside of the rink I am a registered social worker.”
These are big roles to fill but Nelson expressed appreciation and confidence for Tendler’s commitment to all of these important duties she fulfills.
Carly is daughter of Paul Tendler who is the director of player personnel and general manager of the Jr. B. Rebels.
“He oversees all things player-related along with talking with other teams regarding potential players or acquiring players in trades,” adds the next generation of Tendler in a Rebels role.
“Much like myself, Paul does a lot in the background including washing jerseys, equipment when the equipment manager cannot attend games, putting out game day Jerseys and team volunteering. These are just some of the many things myself and my dad do for the team that I can think of off my head. We take part in anything that the team needs from us to make it run smoothly all while making sure we have a good presence in the community.”
While the team values community engagement opportunities they like to keep their next activities under wrap until they are announced as it keeps the element of surprise that gets the fans anticipating what’s next and going to the games.
“We’ve got a great group of players this year. My goal this year is to have the community get to know the players and see the great young men they are,” adds Tendler
“Each week I release a player profile on social media to get to know the boys and see who they are. After every game, we have Most Valuable Player and All Business Player. The All-Business Player is the player who shows determination, puts in the work and sacrifices himself for the team. It is up to the previous player to present the orange suit jacket to the most deserving for the game.”
Manifesting the mandate that there is no letter “I” in the word team, the Times was provided a quote by General Manager Paul Tendler “It is about the logo on the front of the jersey not the number on the back. We play for the team, as a team. “
