It's been a long, tough season for the Olds Grizzlys Junior A hockey franchise. As of last week, they had a record of six wins, 47 losses and three overtime losses in 56 games.
During the club's awards banquet Feb. 15 at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites, Grizzlys president Darcy Dallas thanked all those involved with the team in one way or another.
He thanked the players for sticking it out through a tough season.
"I know you guys are not having the season you want. We put you in a tough situation though, because we had a bunch of veterans who weren't veterans, so we cleaned house. But the kids who are here now are great kids and we're proud of you," Dallas said.
"You guys are doing the best you can. I couldn't imagine playing with (virtually) no 20-year-olds on your team. So you guys are doing a good job; keep your heads up."
He also thanked the coaching staff: head coach and GM Joe Murphy as well as assistant coaches Ben McGinn and Peter de Graff.
"Obviously I don't think they're having the year of their life, but they're sticking to it and they've got a game plan and things are on the up," Dallas said.
"I know it's been tough on these guys; it's been a lot of work, but they're doing a good job and (I'm) very happy with what they're doing."
He also expressed thanks to Colby Bannister, the team's trainer.
"He's always behind the scenes but gets the job done. He has 23 players yelling at him every game, but that's part of the job," Dallas said.
The team's scouts also came in for praise.
"They don't get paid. They're watching all the games, trying to get better players and new players in. So obviously they deserve a big thanks," he said.
Dallas also expressed gratitude to the players' parents.
"Obviously having your kids come play junior hockey is a big thing. Most of the kids were not from around here, so you send your kids off to go live with other people," he said.
"But we do see a lot of the parents at the games. We got to know a lot; some a little too good. But it's been good. The parents are really good people and thanks for supporting us the way you have."
He also thanked the team's many billets.
"Trying to billet 23 kids is extremely tough in a town this size," Dallas said. "Cindy Tookey's been looking after that. I know it's probably not the best job, but she does it and she does a very good job of it.
"The billets that are doing it, you cannot make any money doing it; you lose money, but it's so nice to see people who are willing to open up their homes for these kids. I know the kids really appreciate it and we truly appreciate the fact that you guys will do that for these kids. So thank you," he added.
Dallas said the amount of sponsorship the team has received from local residents and businesses has "really turned around in the last couple of years."
"It takes a huge budget to run a Junior A team," Dallas said. "We are in the smallest market in the league, but our sponsorship has been great, which is awesome to see. So thank you very much for every one of the sponsors. It helps to keep the Grizzlys here."
Volunteers were praised too.
"It takes a lot of volunteers to run a game — goal judges, scorekeeping, security, tickets — that's all volunteer stuff," Dallas said. "Without that this team couldn't be successful. So thank you very much, volunteers."
Gary Gaudette, the team's business manager as well as sales and marketing manager, received big praise.
"Gary has been the lifesaver of the Grizzlys this year," Dallas said. "He has turned around our budget, raised a lot of money and is doing extremely good things in the community. So thank you very much Gary."
Dallas also thanked the many fans who came out to Grizzlys games this season.
"The fans have been good this year; up quite a bit from last year," Dallas said.
"Once (head coach) Joe (Murphy) gets a winning record it'll be even more," he said, sparking lots of laughter. "That'll be next year, I promise."
And finally, Dallas thanked Olds Grizzlys alumni, several of whom came out to the banquet.
"I played with most of them — I think maybe all of them. But (it's) good to see the alumni here; it's always great. Thank you for supporting the Grizzlys," he said.
