Steinbach Pistons supporters gathered at Quarry Oaks on Aug. 20 for the team’s 15th annual Celebrity Golf Tournament.
The tournament is one of the Pistons’ major fundraisers of the year, with proceeds supporting team operations, including travel, equipment and game-day experiences for the community.
Jamie Roy, director of sales and marketing with the Pistons, said the annual event has become an important way for the organization to connect with supporters while building excitement for the upcoming season.
“We start exhibition games in two weeks,” Roy said. “So, this tournament is always a launch to our season.”
The event featured seven local celebrities, with teams bidding for the opportunity to play a round of golf with them. The lineup included Denton Mateychuk, a Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman; Toronto Sceptres goaltender Raygan Kirk; Paul Edmonds, the voice of the Jets on CJOB 680; former Olympic volleyball player Michelle Sawatzky; Pistons head coach and general manager Paul Dyck; four-year Pistons forward and assistant captain Cole Cairns; and the team’s outgoing captain, Sam Noad.
Community support
Roy said the event sold out earlier than ever before, with organizers ultimately overselling the tournament to accommodate the high level of interest.
“It’s cool to see the support,” Roy said. “We’re so blessed to be able to have a community like this behind us.”
For golfers such as Derrek Funk, who was taking part in the tournament for the fourth time, the event is about more than golf.
“I think it’s the people and the environment,” Funk said, adding that he enjoys supporting a local organization and the community’s hockey players.
Pistons player Cole Cairns also highlighted the support the team receives from the community. “They come out every night for the games and are just supportive at all these events,” Cairns said. “It’s unbelievable to see the people out here and having a good time.” With the new season approaching, Cairns said he is looking forward to reuniting with his teammates and returning to the ice in front of Pistons fans.
The annual golf tournament not only helps raise money for the Pistons but also gives the organization an opportunity to bring the community together ahead of another season of hockey in Steinbach.
To see the Steinbach Pistons game schedule and purchase season or single-game tickets, visit steinbachpistons.ca.
Article Courtesy of Steinbachonline.com
