ASSINIBOIA — Ryder Burns, sales and marketing director for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Weyburn Red Wings says their team only has good things to say about Assiniboia.
It was through extensive teamwork by their community that enabled the Weyburn team to take up temporary home at the Southland Co-op Centre.
“The Assiniboia community couldn’t have been any better. There was so much support and hard work as soon as we needed it. The billet families stepped up within hours of being asked. “
Burns also acknowledges the new SCC stating it was amazing for players and staff.
“Lots of players have loved the ice as well as the facility itself. It couldn’t be any better for us.”
The team also offered accolades to Weyburn fans who travelled for their games while they were temporarily homed at Assiniboia’s arena, as well as the local community who came out to cheer on their adopted home town team. Fan buses were also packed from Weyburn both Dec. 13 and 14 to come to Assiniboia for games, showcasing the dedication of the team’s fan base.
While in Assiniboia, Burns says players visited local schools and handed out free game tickets for kids which enabled them to engage with the community before their games took place, resulting in an overall positive experience for both players and Assiniboians.
“We would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who helped us get through this temporary relocation. Without the crazy amount of support this team gets from our community and Assiniboia this wouldn’t have been possible,” exclaims the team’s Marketing Director.
The City of Weyburn penned a thank you letter to Assiniboia’s Mayor and Council also acknowledging their efforts in making a smooth temporary transition for their team.
The letter included these words, “Your willingness to open your doors to our team and provide them with the necessary resources to continue their season has meant a great deal to us. Your hospitality and support have helped ease the transition during this unexpected situation, and we are truly grateful for your efforts to make the Weyburn Red Wings feel at home in Assiniboia.”
Mayor Jeff Richards also acknowledged in this thank you letter that the cooperation of Assiniboia has been a testament to the strong sense of community and collaboration that exists across Saskatchewan and their city deeply appreciates the role Assiniboia has played in helping them during this time.
The full contents of this letter are posted on the Town of Assiniboia’s Facebook page, and the TOA response stating, “It has been a pleasure to show the Weyburn Red Wings the reasons why we are called ‘The Heart of the Golden South’. Thank you to the City of Weyburn for sharing your amazing hockey team, we have enjoyed every minute of it. It’s times like these we are reminded why we live here.
In acknowledgement gestures to the community the Red Wings warmed up in Rebels jerseys as well as created special, limited edition, Assiniboia Red Wings shirts.
Red Wings games held at the SCC included back-to-back games hosting the Kindersley Klippers, Dec. 13-14 as well as Dec. 17 vs Yorkton and Dec. 19 vs Humboldt. Local hockey fans say they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see four SJHL games with their adopted home team, Red Wings in action.
