The Alberta government is throwing its support behind the Western Hockey League (WHL) and Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for its joint 50/50 draw “Jackpots For Junior Hockey” that encourages youth sports and participation..Launched earlier Monday, Alberta’s five WHL teams and 15 AJHL teams will share proceeds to help offset revenues lost because of the pandemic and play suspension..“The WHL is excited for the launch of the Jackpots for Junior Hockey 50/50,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, who is worried the future of the game in Alberta is in jeopardy..WHL clubs in Alberta contribute $56 million annually to the economy, employing nearly 1,000 full- and part-time workers..“The Jackpots for Junior Hockey 50/50 will help ensure our junior hockey teams remain a vital part of our Alberta communities,” he said..“The WHL is pleased to enter into a partnership with the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and our longstanding WHL corporate partner RE/MAX of Western Canada to deliver this exciting new initiative to Albertans.”.AJHL Commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk also welcomed the partnership, stating: “The strength of the AJHL is its communities.”.“Through unique and dynamic relationships, the AJHL and its member teams are deeply intertwined throughout the province..“Although the challenges over the past year were new and unfamiliar, the community support and passion for our teams has been unwavering, and we are excited to capture that passion through this initiative,.”.The AJHL contributes $45 million annually to the Alberta economy, with attendance for season games typically averaging more than one million fans a year in both leagues combined..Praising changes made to provincial policy, Multiculturalism Minister Leela Aheer said: “The WHL and AJHL can now raise funds online to support their operations directly from fans in their communities.”.Albertans will able to purchase tickets online from anywhere in the province..Aheer is asking Albertans to provide a much-needed assist by purchasing Jackpots For Junior Hockey 50/50 tickets to “protect the lives and livelihoods of Albertans [in] junior hockey.”.As a critical economic and social driver, teams will be required to share a portion of proceeds received with local charities..The Jackpots For Junior Hockey 50/50 will run each weekend in March, with the WHL commencing its season on February 26 and the AJHL scheduling its training camp for the start of March..Dhaliwal is the Western Standard’s Edmonton reporter.
The Alberta government is throwing its support behind the Western Hockey League (WHL) and Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for its joint 50/50 draw “Jackpots For Junior Hockey” that encourages youth sports and participation..Launched earlier Monday, Alberta’s five WHL teams and 15 AJHL teams will share proceeds to help offset revenues lost because of the pandemic and play suspension..“The WHL is excited for the launch of the Jackpots for Junior Hockey 50/50,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, who is worried the future of the game in Alberta is in jeopardy..WHL clubs in Alberta contribute $56 million annually to the economy, employing nearly 1,000 full- and part-time workers..“The Jackpots for Junior Hockey 50/50 will help ensure our junior hockey teams remain a vital part of our Alberta communities,” he said..“The WHL is pleased to enter into a partnership with the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and our longstanding WHL corporate partner RE/MAX of Western Canada to deliver this exciting new initiative to Albertans.”.AJHL Commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk also welcomed the partnership, stating: “The strength of the AJHL is its communities.”.“Through unique and dynamic relationships, the AJHL and its member teams are deeply intertwined throughout the province..“Although the challenges over the past year were new and unfamiliar, the community support and passion for our teams has been unwavering, and we are excited to capture that passion through this initiative,.”.The AJHL contributes $45 million annually to the Alberta economy, with attendance for season games typically averaging more than one million fans a year in both leagues combined..Praising changes made to provincial policy, Multiculturalism Minister Leela Aheer said: “The WHL and AJHL can now raise funds online to support their operations directly from fans in their communities.”.Albertans will able to purchase tickets online from anywhere in the province..Aheer is asking Albertans to provide a much-needed assist by purchasing Jackpots For Junior Hockey 50/50 tickets to “protect the lives and livelihoods of Albertans [in] junior hockey.”.As a critical economic and social driver, teams will be required to share a portion of proceeds received with local charities..The Jackpots For Junior Hockey 50/50 will run each weekend in March, with the WHL commencing its season on February 26 and the AJHL scheduling its training camp for the start of March..Dhaliwal is the Western Standard’s Edmonton reporter.
