The Nanaimo Clippers junior A hockey team has a few goals in mind – one of them is to help fill tummies.
The city’s B.C. Hockey League club is participating in the league’s Five Hole for Food Challenge this season. Each of the province’s 16 junior A hockey communities is designating one home game for the initiative and asking fans to donate as many non-perishable food items as they can to the cause.
As it happens, the Clippers are the first team to host their challenge night this Friday (Oct. 4) when the Clips take on the Cowichan Valley Capitals at Frank Crane Arena.
“We are extremely excited to kick off the BCHL’s food bank challenge this Friday at Frank Crane,” said Jen Kennedy, Clippers marketing director, in a press release. “This is our favorite type of competition, when it is our community that wins.”
Another aspect of the Five Hole for Food Bank Challenge is a jersey bet. Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan and his fellow mayors agreed that the each of the 15 runners-up will wear the victorious community’s hockey jersey at a future council meeting.
“Our teams receive great support from their respective communities,” said John Grisdale, BCHL commissioner. “Some genuine rivalries exist between towns because of that.”
Each community’s food donations will benefit its local food bank; the Clippers will drop off the groceries at Loaves and Fishes.
GAME ON … The Clippers and Capitals face off at 7 p.m. Friday at Frank Crane Arena. The team has another home game Saturday against the West Kelowna Warriors, also at 7 p.m. Fans who buy a ticket to Friday’s game get a ticket for the next night’s tilt at half price. Call 250-751-0593 to learn more.