On the ice the Yorkton Terriers had a highly successful 2010-11 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season, and financially it was better too said Lyle Walsh, president of the Terrier Junior Hockey Booster Club Inc.
"The team provided an excellent calibre of hockey. There were many highlights that can be touched on this past season. Finishing first in our division was great. The play-off run for the league title was great. The financial picture compared to a year ago was much improved but we are certainly happy about the improvements," said Walsh at the organization's annual general meeting held June 27.
Walsh spent much of his brief presentation thanking everyone from Terrier staff, to the directors and volunteers, but he spent some extra time in his remarks on billets.
"Our billets are another important component of the season," he explained. "Players want, need and deserve a comfortable home for the winter. We are lucky to have as many people come forward as we do have to provide housing for our players. But we could always use more."
"For next season we already know spaces are going to be tight so I would ask you to either consider your place or help us find a place for players again next season."
As for corporate support Walsh said such contributions are vital.
"It's great to get this community support as we really do need it," he said.
Fans are also critical to a team.
"I can't say enough about our Terrier fans and in particular our core die-hard fans. They are always there each year. Whether you are a season ticket holder or an occasional game ticket buyer, we appreciate your support and need you in the rink," offered Walsh.
Fans, corporate donations and fundraisers are all important for a team to stay out of the red financially, said Walsh.
"As our budget and expenses grow, so do our revenues need to grow. The best way would be to get more people in the rink. We have to somehow sell more season tickets and game day tickets. We need a larger fan base to support our hockey club," he said.
Walsh said the Terriers need to work hard to break even, or turn a profit.
"We have to, as a community, be very diligent of the cost to operate this team and the need for us to realize as much revenues as possible to achieve our goals," he said, adding even " Even after having a successful on-ice year there is not a lot of profit."
Walsh said while it is a challenge to be financially strong, the Terriers are not unique in that challenge.
"The whole league struggles with this, most teams are in the same boat and it's our responsibility to keep the support there so things can operate smoothly," he said.
"Financially trapped organizations struggle to be able to do the correct, necessary things to be successful and we don't want that to happen for the Terrier Hockey Club. Yorkton and area should be able to have good, sound, strong business and fan support to more than adequately handle our financial obligations."
