This year’s season could be the best for the hockey players, families and leagues across the country that still need our support

The little referees work to keep the big hockey guys from tussling. This is an image from the collection of inspired hockey-themed fundraising ideas and humor delivered in the 2012-2013 Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendar

NOTE TO EDITORS & PRODUCERS: High resolution copies of grassroots Canadian hockey images from the Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendars  are available for related stories.

Red Deer, Alberta – Hockey season is upon us and without the presence of the most high profile games, Canadians have an opportunity to redirect their time and support to where it all begins at the local level. As parents and players across the country pull the equipment out of the garage, sharpen the skates and embrace the excitement of another season, the hockey spirit that lives in so many of us carries on.

Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendars Ltd., North America’s leading collector series hockey fundraising program, sees this potential lack of a big league season as the perfect opportunity to rekindle our authentic love for the sport and remind ourselves and our little players that the game is about more than just what they see on TV. “We have the pleasure at Hockey Spirit to be able to travel the country gathering artwork and images for each year’s calendar and during this journey we connect with hockey families, towns and players that show us the passion, dedication and camaraderie that is the game of hockey”, said Brian Urlacher from Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendars Ltd. Brian adds “This is the time that our amateur and junior leagues need us most to keep the passion alive so we at Hockey Spirit encourage our fellow hockey obssessors to get out to your neighbourhood games, cheer on the team and help the future stars of the game when they are looking for a little support raising some much needed funds”.

Hockey Spirit is alive and well in Canada, even with the absence of a professional season. Hockey is happening at the rink with the kids, come out to watch them play.

Canadians Make the Best Hockey Fans
and are some of the world’s best players, largely the result of the incredible support seen across the country. “The calibre of hockey across this country is world leading and the energy you see at the local arena is unmatched, so this is the perfect time to show your hockey passion by supporting your local minor hockey team and association. Go see some games and help with fundraising ideas like the Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendar”, said Akim Aliu, community hockey supporter and Calgary Flames team member. “Having started my career in the minor leagues in Toronto, Ontario, I would not have made it to where I am now in the sport without the support of my local community, especially when I was fundraising for my team.”

Coaches, officials, managers, parents and volunteers are all gearing up across the country with energy and excitement as the hockey season is underway. With the start of the season comes the need for fundraising at the local level. “We are excited to see the season start and the rinks filling up on evenings and weekends. We know teams will soon be out to fund their extra ice time, tournament fees and other expenses associated with hockey”, said Tim Leer, hockey dad of 2 and long-time employee of Hockey Alberta. He adds, “The Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendars program is an excellent option for teams and the incredible imagery and art work contained in the calendars truly represent the game at its truest intent – friends, family and fun. The calendars are an excellent collector item for any hockey fan and a great keepsake for a hockey player and their family”.
It is no secret that being a part of the game comes at a hefty price so for teams, hockey fundraising is now as much a part of participation in hockey as the skates. “Going into the start of the season teams and associations are thinking about how they are going to raise the funds they need and with the public attention right now on the sport, we encourage everyone to stay positive and show your support of the game by participating in these fundraising efforts,” said Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendars, Elizabeth Urlacher, an industry recognized expert on sport fundraising programs. She adds that “At times like this, we see that the most effective hockey fundraising programs are the ones that bring forth nostalgia of experiences with the game and remind us of the grassroots nature of the sport in this country. For hockey fundraisers selecting from their vast options, I encourage them to look at the margin for revenue, upfront costs and support system behind the program.”

Little five year old hockey players being picked up by the big referee. Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendar Scene

There is an opportunity to make this year’s hockey season one of the most memorable by reconnecting with the grassroots aspects of the sport. There is nothing cuter than a team of 5 year olds skating around a rink or more inspirational than a future mega star warming up before a championship game. For Hockey Moms, the driving force behind many teams, hockey isn’t as much about Saturday night’s game as it is about drive thru breakfast runs before 5 am practices, smelly bags of equipment in the back of the SUV and the high 5’s when their pride and joy scores that first goal of the season.

To view a photo of the Hockey Spirit Alive in Canadians, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120925-925hockey_800.jpg

ABOUT HOCKEY SPIRIT FUNDRAISING CALENDARS LTD.:

Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendars is North America’s leading collector series hockey calendar fundraising program for non-profit organizations, hockey clubs or other community organizations filled with hockey enthusiasts. The 15 month bilingual calendars are filled with exclusive, eye catching art and images gathered from hockey communities across Canada that ignite an appreciation for the nostalgia, patriotism and dedication associated with community hockey. The Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendars program is fully supported with unique fundraising ideas, extensive sales and promotional tools and garners significant results for fundraisers. The 2012-2013 calendars are available now to fundraising organizations across North America.