Although the local AJHL team is in the middle of a recapitalization drive to keep the squad in Canmore, the Canmore Eagles want to remind the public that season tickets are available for next season.
“We were never going to leave next year,” said head coach and general manager Andrew Milne. “Our recapitalization is to secure longevity with the program and make sure we operate here.”
In order for the team to stay in the Bow Valley long-term, the team is attempting to raise $100,000 by June 30, 2011 to pay off debts accumulated by the community-owned team. If that money is not raised, the team will move for the 2012/2013 season.
Milne would not say how much of the $100,000 has been raised by the team, but said the AJHL schedule states the team will play in Canmore next season regardless. He’s been in discussions with several groups attempting to secure funding for the team.
The team wants to sell 400 season tickets for the upcoming season and has been pounding the pavement over the past month to reach that goal. Last year, the team sold 83 season tickets, however the team has sold 400 season tickets in the past.
In order for the team to remain viable, they need to sell about 400 season tickets a year.
Word the team is potentially moving is hurting the season ticket drive, Milne said, and he still says there is a perception the Eagles are privately-owned.
“We are community-owned, not a privately-owned group, but we’re still hearing people who think we’re private,” Milne said.
The team is offering a number of season ticket packages, including discounts for Canmore Minor Hockey players. A family of four can purchase a season ticket package for $719. Milne said the Eagles want to provide local players a place to play Junior A hockey and provide the public with affordable entertainment.
In other Eagles news, the team has added local players Simon and Luke Philp to the team. Simon was an emergency call-up for the Eagles last year, while Luke was third in his midget league scoring.
“Both of those guys are special in their own right. Simon gives us size up front and the puck always seem to follow him, while Luke has a special skill set and the fans will be extremely entertained by his play,” Milne said.
