Salmon Kings Booster Club

Thanks for the memories of fast, exciting professional hockey, road trips, monthly meetings, silent auctions, working the tables, Santa Claus parades and after game skates. These are just a few of the things that will make VSKBC members smile when they reflect upon them. This time last season we were very involved with our 24 Relay Team, Marty's Angelz, busy with fundraising activities. Then as summer turned to fall, we eagerly anticipated the start of training camp. At a Sunday after noon’s post game skate (after the UBC exhibition game),we were once again tasked to get hands stamped and ECHL waivers signed. In January, after an afternoon game against Las Vegas, we used the lessons learned from the fall skate to get things done smoother. The ever popular Marty's Fish Pond was manned by VSKBC members during the season ticket holders pickup party. At this event, executive members placed welcome baskets in the team’s dressing room. A small group of us made the annual road trip to Boise, where we would see the Salmon Kings open their season in Idaho. At a game day skate we were invited to watch, many of the players asked us how the drive down was, and thanked us for making the trip. Later in the season, small groups made a flight to Las Vegas and a long winter's drive to Stockton. One nice thing about Boise has been meeting our counterparts in the Idaho Steelheads Booster Club, they are like family, a very hospitable group. On these road trips, having someone with excellent map reading skills is invaluable and our Vice President Pam showed us her prowess in this area. Back home, the team organized a meet and greet with the players at the Canoe Club, where many got autographs and had some interesting conversations with the players. Each game night, two tables would be manned, one on the concourse where the big eye catching Goals That Give rink board was located, and another table near the club seat lounge. The table would display autographed pucks for sale, the tally of the Goals That Give, be the sites for silent auctions, host a kids colouring area, and display interesting information related to the VSKBC. These table shifts were excellent if you liked people watching, and it was fascinating to see the variety of jerseys and hats worn by fans. The past few years, the Booster Club has represented the Salmon Kings organization at the annual Santa Claus Parade. We would have a hockey themed decorated truck, and a few of us would walk alongside the truck; in 2010 without a schedule conflict, the mascot Marty the Marmot joined us. Each Christmas, a silent auction of player made crafts took place. The opportunity to watch this while handing out paints and cleaning brushes was interesting. This Christmas, our 24 Hr Relay Team lost our honourary camper, booster club member, and devoted Salmon Kings fan Keely. Keely you are missed. A silent auction was held near season's end in March when the VSKBC is reinforced by friends and family as the 24 Hour Relay team, Marty's Angelz begins its annual fundraising drive. Our silent auction experience came in handy when we helped to close the one held in late summer at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club to aid the 24 Hour Relay. Being a VSKBC member meant opportunities to meet players at special events, and two of these took place this past season. Firstly an "appy's night" was held at Montana's Cookhouse. Each Salmon King player and VSKBC member was given a bingo sheet where the squares contained questions that you would find answered by asking questions of other members or players. This was a good ice breaker and nicely facilitated conversation. Early in March, a pizza day was held on a Sunday afternoon in the Salmon Kings gym/locker room at SOFMC. Small teams made up of members and players took part in a fun scavenger hunt. A very memorable moment was when the VSKBC president, Jen asked the players and members present to tell us their name, where they were from and a little about themselves. You could tell that all present liked this with all the smiles that shone in the room. As the season carried on into a historic third round playoff series, the VSKBC was ever present, manning the two tables, helping the game staff when asked, and cheering the Victoria Salmon Kings right to the end. Yes, thanks for the memories of Jen's leadership, Pam's smiling calmness, the scheduling wizardry of Louise, Cayla's bears, Linda's laughter, Sean’s sense of humour, Marlisa's hard work behind the scenes, Hunter's dancing, Lori helping with shifts, and all the efforts of all whose collective efforts made the Victoria Salmon Kings Booster Club such a special group. As in life, as one door closes, another often opens; thus our 24 Hour Relay Team, Marty's Anglez will keep many of us busy throughout the year. In closing a chapter of the VSKBC's part in Victoria sports history, let all remember the hard work, camaraderie, and fun that we had. In closing, always remember that truly Victory Goes To The Brave. President Note- Thank you to Keith who has done a fantastic job of writing our blog for the past season. Thanks Keith.

Just prior to the recent home series vs the Stockton Thunder, former Northern Michigan Wildcat defenceman Geoff Waugh, was called up by the Manitoba Moose, whose size, reach, and smooth skating style along with toughness will be of help to the AHL Winnipeg entry. Currently there are two other former NMU Wildcats on the Victoria Salmon Kings roster. Both began their junior careers in the BCHL. At age 17, North Vancouver's Matt Siddall had a successful 14 games with the Langley Hornets (24 pts, 13 goals). The next season, 2002-03, he played at Memorial Arena for 12 games with the Victoria Salsa, and then was dealt to the Powell River Kings. With both teams he had 37pts and 12 goals in 31 games. His next and final BCHL season was a success in three areas. On the ice, he helped Powell River with 61 pts (25 goals) in 45 games plus 6 pts (4 goals) in 7 playoff games. In June his name was called at the NHL Entry Draft in the 270th spot (9th round) by the Atlanta Flames. The third success was accepting a hockey scholarship to Northern Michigan. His BCHL career totals over three seasons were 90 GP, 122 pts (50 goals) and 280 PIMs. In the next four seasons, Matt Siddall produced 76 pts (32 goals) in 147 games plus 387 PIMs while skating for the Marquette, Michigan based school. He turned pro in the fall of 2008 with the AHL Chicago Wolves, who then sent him down to the ECHL Gwinnet Gladiators. Last season he was traded to the Salmon Kings. Going into the 2010-2011 season, his ECHL career totals were 86 pts (37 goals) in 92 games plus 298 PIMs. He is an intriguing combination of an offensive goal scoring threat who is also "not afraid to throw them" as evidenced by his eight fights thus far this season. Another Salmon King, Matt Butcher was a teammate of Matt Siddall for two years at NMU. Born in Bellingham,WA, he is the son of former Canucks d-man Garth Butcher. He joined Harvey Smyl's BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs at age 16, where his rookie campaign netted 25 pts (7 goals) in 48 games plus three goals in 11 playoff games. With a doubling of his offensive output the following season, 57 pts (27 goals) in 60 games plus 5 playoff points, his play caught the eye of the Vancouver Canucks scouting staff. He was selected in that summer's (2005) draft by Vancouver, the 138th overall pick (5th round). The next season, 2005-2006 was a "monster" one. His point totals topped the century mark (101) along with 38 goals in 57 games plus 23 pts (11 goals) in 12 playoff matches. The BCHL then selected Matt Butcher as its 2005-2006 Coastal Conference MVP. Like Matt Siddall and Geoff Waugh before him, he earned a scholarship to play hockey for NMU. Over four seasons at NMU he had 44 pts (15 goals) in 135 games plus 105 PIMs. This fall his professional career opened with a brief stay with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones, before being signed by the Victoria Salmon Kings. With good speed and excellent hockey sense, he is gaining valuable pro hockey experience as a Salmon Kings rookie. The third Matt on this season's edition of the Salmon Kings also utilized the US college route to the pros. A season (2001-02) with the Alberta Midget League's Sherwood Park Kings led to a junior career in Saskatchewan with the SJHL Melville Millionaires. After a12 pt (4 goals) rookie season, he followed that with a 51 pts (21 goals) in 60 games season and a team leading 235 PIMs. His next and final SJHL season was outstanding, with 77 pts (32 goals) in 52 games and 175 PIMs. He would subsequently be named to the SJHL First All Star Team. Matt Stefanishion’s SJHL career totals were 150 pts (57 goals) in 155 games plus 436 PIMs. The next fall, 2004, Matt Stefanishion would be in Big Rapids, Michigan, home of the CCHA Ferris State Bulldogs. His 21 pt (12 goals) freshman season contributed to his being named to that season's CCHA All-Rookie Team. After an additional collegiate season, he turned pro with the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays. The following season was split between the Reading Royals and the Fresno Falcons. In Fresno, Stefanishion has the unique sports experience of being on a team that folded midseason. The "hockey gods" smiled on him, as he was able to catch on with the Alaska Aces, he would help them get to the Kelly Cup final, where they lost in epic seven game transcontinental final. Last season, he opened in Alaska and finished it with the Charlotte Checkers. Last summer he brought his ECHL career 148 pts (75 goals) plus 708 PIMs in 219 games to Victoria when he signed with the Salmon Kings. Salmon Kings coach Mark Morrison on Matt Sefanishion. "Matt plays on the edge...ability to change the tide of any game...well known as an agitator with an offensive upside. He will be a fan favourite with his tenacious style of play". Thus the three Matts all bring qualities that any team wound want, Matt Siddall as a threat to score and not afraid to get physical, Matt Butchers speed, hockey sense and enthusiasm, and Matt Stefanishion "playing on the edge", working hard on every shift. PUCKS AND THE BOARD----be sure to drop by one of our tables, buy an autographed puck, see how the numbers on the big Goals That Give rink board are growing, ask about our activities, have a look at our scrapbook, let the kids enjoy the colouring station and maybe they can write a note to their favourite player. AHL EFFECT ----Derek Couture is the latest Salmon King to go to the AHL, with the Connecticut Whale calling. Garth Murray and Geoff Waugh are still in Manitoba, and Ryan MacMurchy has joined Quinton Laing in Abbotsford. A HISTORIC DAY---when Yan Sauve dressed for the Canucks recently, he became the first player to play at all three of the current Canucks organizational levels in one season, as he had his pro debut last November on SOFMC ice. DEVELOPMENT OF PLAYERS----currently the Salmon Kings have three professional rookies, up front Matt Butcher and winger Bryan Cameron, plus on the blueline Ed Snetsinger and Jeff Caister. All are playing well and each brings attributes that will likely see them move up in the future. MARTY'S ANGELZ----That is the name of our 24 Hour Relay Team. Soon we will reassemble, hopefully with a few additions, as we start fundraising "for the kids." You can help by taking your bottles and cans to either the Quadra St or Glanford Ave Bottle Depot locations and ask that the amount go the Marty's Angelz account.

Note: Quotes in this blog come from two articles in the Quad City Times by Craig De Vrieze and by Mark Newman in The Griffinator, magazine of the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. Wearing sweater #75, a number that matches his birth year, Pete Vandermeer is the eldest of six hockey playing brothers from the small Alberta town of Caroline. Located on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, it is an area "in the midst of forests and farms with a rather thriving oil industry. Oil rigs and cattle dot the landscape." His family sold their farm when he was 10, but have maintained a modest sawmilling operation. Pete calls it "an incredible place. Back home there aren't a lot of folks who have tons of money, but everybody pitches in and helps out their neighbour and you’re expected to do the same." The Vandermeer siblings "played all sports" and "fought like cats and dogs." Their father instilled in the boys "a spirit of camaraderie", flooded the backyard each winter to make a big rink, and coached them in youth hockey. Pete said that "If you did something wrong, my dad would make sure you knew about it...he could be an intimidating man, but he did it in a way that was very instructional. He was a great guy to teach you about a lot of different things and not just hockey. "At age 18, Pete was fortunate to start a junior hockey career with his nearest WHL franchise, the Red Deer Rebels, where in 180 games he had 114 pts (41 goals) and 807 PIMs. An additional 14 playoff games added 13 pts (5 goals) and 45 PIMs to his WHL total. He turned pro in 1996 with the Ohio based Columbus Chill of the ECHL. The next two seasons were split between Columbus and the AHL Rochester Americans. The fall of 1998 found Pete in the camp of the B.C. (Broome County) Icemen of the then UHL (United League) based in Binghamton, NY. With the Icemen he cemented his reputation as a tough player by leading the league with 390 PIMs, and helped with 36 goals. In 5 playoff games, he was able to stay out of the box and got 4 pts (2 goals, 2 assists.) A special experience followed next, with the 1999-2000 ECHL Richmond Renegades. Here Pete was joined by brothers Joe and Dan and they became the first trio of brothers to dress in an ECHL game at the same time. Here Pete had his best pro offensive season, 56 pts (31 goals) in 58 games. Once again, with 457 PIMs he led his league in that category. With the onset of a new century, Pete Vandermeer embarked on a ten year tenure in the American Hockey League. His PIMs were often above 300, and with the Philadelphia Phantoms, his 398 PIMs was the most on the AHL, making him a player who has lead three leagues in most PIMs. During this decade, Pete would sign five NHL contracts as various organizations valued his toughness and ability to both provide veteran leadership and mentor younger players. Craig DeVrieze in the Quad Cities Times (Apr 7, 2009) quotes Adam Cracknell on Pete, "He'll do anything for a teammate on or off the ice." Asked about "being a friend of players typically 10 years his junior". Pete stated that "there’s lots of ways to go about it. Sometimes it’s a word here or there, talking to guys away from the rink...sometimes it’s getting up in the middle of the room yelling and screaming at guys. But that doesn't work as well as it used to." Quad Cities Flames coach Ryan McGill said that Pete "has done a good job of teaching kids how to practice, he doesn't miss optional skates. He has been out there all the time. And he has been a warrior all his career and that says a lot." A hockey dream came true for Pete Vandermeer on Feb 8, 2009 when he made his NHL debut with the Phoenix Coyotes. His NHL time may have been only two games, but just to get there took a lot of effort. Earlier with the Philadelphia Phantoms, he was able see brother Jim's NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers. Pete said. "we were so happy for him because we all helped him get there. It was a real family accomplishment." At the Canoe Club in Victoria, on July 22, 2010 the Victoria Salmon Kings held a media event, introducing Pete Vandermeer as the new team captain. He brings to the provincial capital a work ethic forged in small town Alberta, leadership skills learned from his father and experiences from 843 games (as of Feb 1, 2011) of professional hockey. With the crunch time of the season upon us, the toughness, leadership and mentoring skills of Pete Vandermeer may prove invaluable in helping the team to achieve its goals. ,

Tricky trivia----what does "ECHL" stand for? Which sports apparel firm has it name attached? How many trophies for individual league categories? Name the former NHL coach who is associated with the ECHL Coach of the Year award? What is the ECHL Award of Distinction? Which Western conference franchise has won it two out of three seasons? Which former ECHL player is currently making a splash with a Great Lakes based NHL team? Can you name the five teams that use state names as part of their official names in the ECHL? Answers will be found throughout this blog. Just how did the current brand of minor pro hockey emerge on the western side of North America? Like so many things hockey, there is a Canadian connection. Bruce Taylor, owner of the BCJHL Richmond Sockeyes started an "independent senior/pro" team, the Fresno Falcons and brought in John Oliver to build the team. Taylor then either started franchises himself or found local investors, with the result being the birth of a new league, the WCHL (West Coast Hockey League) with teams stretching from Fairbanks, Alaska to San Diego and Arizona. This was the early 1990s, where on the opposite side of the continent the then East Coast Hockey League was evolving into a strong feeder league for the AHL. This was a heady time for hockey, the Gretzky trade to LA, the start of the Sharks, and the "glowing puck" on weekly FOX Network NHL telecasts were making the game more popular in America. The old IHL (International Hockey League) broke out of its small city Midwest base and with teams from Detroit and Chicago to Salt Lake City, began to sell itself as a development rival to the AHL. For various reason, many of which were financial, the IHL would go the way of the never to be seen on the ice Victoria Spiders. WCHL teams found themselves saddled with high payments into generous state workers compensation programs, especially California. With its lower salary cap, the ECHL appeared to be an attractive model. A deal was struck, whereby the WCHL folded, and its teams joined the, to be now named simply by the letters "ECHL". Sponsorships in the new continent wide league brought in noted firms like Reebok, who have their name attached to five individual trophies plus various weekly and monthly awards. Each season, the league announces who won the Award of Distinction--this for both on and off ice work, and in 2007 and 2009, the Stockton Thunder won this prestigious honour. As with the BC Lions, Manitoba Moose, and Saskatchewan Roughriders, who have provincial monikers, five ECHL teams utilize a state name; Alaska Aces, Florida Everblades, Idaho Steelheads, South Carolina Stingrays and the Utah Grizzlies. Although ECHL player movement usually involves the AHL, some do work their way to the NHL. Alex Burrows of the Canucks is a prime example of that. Currently, former 2009 ECHL Playoff MVP, goalie James Reimer has been called up from the AHL, and is making a splash with his strong play to be kept on the Toronto Maple Leafs roster. One last note, when the Western Conference finalists meet, the winner will, fittingly win the Bruce Taylor Cup prior to then playing the Eastern Conference playoff champion in a best of seven series for the Holy Grail of the league, the Kelly Cup. VSKBC NOTES-----on game nights, be sure to drop by the booster club tables on the concourse and club levels. Have a look at how the Goals That Give Board is tabulated, the scrapbook we made, bring the kids to do some colouring or maybe write a note to Marty the Marmot or their favourite Salmon Kings player. On Sunday, January 30th, after the game (it is a 1:00pm game); there will be another Skate with the Kings. Please make sure that you sign the ECHL waivers before you and your kids go on the ice. BOTTLES AND CANS FOR MARTY'S ANGELZ----do you have recyclable bottles and cans left over from "the holidays?" You can help our 24 Hour Relay Team by bringing them the Glanford Rd or Quadra St Bottle Depot locations. Ask that the return amount be put on the account named Marty's Angelz.

As Old Man 2010 prepares to hand off responsibilities to Baby New Year 2011, lets look back at a year in all things Salmon King. On Dec 31, 2009 Mike Hamilton would help extend a win streak to 10 with a shootout winner. A few days later, in Anchorage, Hamilton would again use the shootout to make it a 12 game streak. The Alaska Aces would end the streak the next night. David Shantz, on Jan 6 was named for the second time as the ECHL Reebbok Goaltender of the Week. Call-ups are a fact of ECHL life, and Neil Petruic (Binghamton) and Olivier Latendresse (Abbotsford) would move on to finish the season at the next level. Captain Wes Goldie passed Ryan Wade’s "ironman record" of 265 consecutive games played in a Salmon Kings jersey on Feb. 11. In an extremely tight race the Victoria crew made the last Conference playoff spot by two points. Subsequently they would be eliminated in 5 games in the first round playoff series with the Bakersfield Condors. On June 10, CHEK TV and the Salmon Kings released a Year End Video. A month later, July 14, Andy Brandt was dealt to the Gwinnett Gladiators, triggering the biggest player personnel shake up in team history. In what could be termed "the Wes Goldie situation", the popular player in the number 16 jersey was informed the "C" would be elsewhere. Once the dust had settled, Goldie was headed north to Alaska and the Salmon Kings brass brought in veteran Pete Vandermeer to be the captain for 2010/11. Training camp saw many new faces, a few holdovers, and the return of former Salmon Kings. Following a home exhibition series with the UBC Thunderbirds, the Salmon Kings split the opening road trip to Idaho and Las Vegas. Rookie goalie Riley Gill would be selected as ECHL Goaltender of the Month, then was dealt to Kalamazoo to complete the "future considerations" of the Rick Cleaver deal. A highly successful Armed Forces Night proved entertaining and informative. A SAR team rappelled from the arena cat walk to deliver the game puck. The ECHL announced that voting could be done to select an ECHL All-Decade team. Derick Martin was on the ballot, and when voting was finished, former captain Wes Goldie was on the final list that made up this dream team. On Dec 29, PJ Atherton was selected as one of the defensemen for the starting six in the ECHL All Star game. Rob Hennigar is 3rd overall in ECHL assists. One major difference from last season's team is that the PIM totals are reversed from last years lowest in the league to a current league lead in that category. As the Salmon Kings prepare to once again bring in the New Year in Utah, it is time to paraphrase Jeff Harris and say "that was a year in the life of the Salmon Kings, a very interesting year for the team." KEELY WE WILL NOT FORGET YOU....this Christmas , Marty's Angelz lost our inspiration, brave Keely who was our sponsored camper and a big Canucks and Salmon Kings fan. She was a huge fan of Wes Goldie and Marty the Marmot made her smile. For the balance of the season, this blog will be dedicated to the memory of our brave Keely. She will live on as an inspiration for many of us, and at the 24 Hour Relay when one feels they just cant make that extra lap, thinking of Keely will make you want to finish it for her.

The most common first name of those players who have played for the Victoria Salmon Kings is one whose meaning from the Gaelic is "little king." That name is Ryan and seven "little kings" have worn Salmon Kings colours. Ryan Finnerty, Ryan McLeod, Ryan Wade and Ryan Watson played in the early era of the franchise. Current assistant coach Ryan Wade scored the first ever Salmon Kings home goal on the afternoon of Sunday, December 5, 2004 at the Bear Mountain arena in his home town of Colwood. A trio of "little kings" came to this fall's training camp, one Canadian and two Americans. RYAN MacMURCHY....from Regina he played for Vernon in BC then parlayed a 2001/02 32 goal season with the SJHL'S Notre Dame Hounds into a U of Wisconsin Badgers hockey scholarship. That summer he was selected in the 9th round of the NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues. Over four Wisconsin seasons MacMurchy scored 111 pts (65 goals) plus 342 PIMs in 164 games. On Feb 11, 2006 the Badgers played Ohio State at the Frozen Tundra Classic held outdoors in Green Bay's legendary Lambeau Field. That spring Wisconsin won the NCAA Frozen Four as the host team. The next fall he turned pro splitting time with the ECHL Alaska Aces and the AHL Peoria Rivermen. Two following season with the ECHL Stockton Thunder led to a season with the AHL Springfield Falcons. In the recent offseason, the Salmon Kings recruited Ryan MacMurchy. Currently (as of Dec 2) he has 7 goals in 18 games. Ryan MacMurchy is a player who plays hard on the ice and off the ice is an excellent ambassador. RYAN DINGLE...from Steamboat Springs, Colorado travelled to the US Midwest for his junior hockey in the USHL, where he played four seasons with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Tri-City Storm. His final USHL numbers came in at 101 pts (47 goals) plus 124 PIMs in 157 games along with 11 pts (4 goals) in 15 playoff games. In2004-05 Ryan Dingle started a three year collegiate career with his home state U of Denver Pioneers, who won the Frozen Four in that season. Dingle's 27 goals in 2005-06 were the most by a Denver player since 1989-90. While at Denver he developed a valuable skill as a faceoff specialist. At the conclusion of his 2006-07 NCAA season he signed an entry level contract with the Anaheim Ducks and played briefly in the AHL with the Portland Pirates. The next season was split between Portland and the then ECHL's Augusta Lynx. This lead to a 2008-09 season in the AHL with the Iowa Chops. At the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Dingle was part of the trade that sent Chris Pronger to Philadelphia. Which lead him to an AHL season with the Adirondack Phantoms. This fall Ryan Dingle has brought his faceoff specialist skills to Victoria. RYAN TUREK....is from the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Michigan. At the age of 15 Ryan Turek was selected for USA Hockey's Festival 15, and would suit up for the next two seasons with the AAA Honeybaked Midgets, where he became team captain. Once again, in 2003 USA Hockey had him at its Festival 16 and he would play for Team USA at the Five Nations Cup. Midway into the 03-04 season he left his midget team for the NAHL's Texarkana Bandits. With 13 pts (6 goals) and 90 PIMs in 29 games he was named to the NAHL All-Rookie Team. His USHL rights were acquired by the Omaha Lancers, so he then headed to play junior hockey in Nebraska. In two USHL seasons he provided Omaha with 39 pts (20 goals) and 123 PIMs in 97 games. In his last jr season, Omaha moved him up to forward. At the Viking Cup in December, 2005 he had 4 pts and one goal for Team USA. Later he would score two goals for Team West in the USHL Prospects/All-star Game. In early June he was invited to join the NHL Combine for testing in Toronto. This was followed by the St Louis Blues selecting Ryan Turek in the NHL Entry Draft's 4th Round (94th overall). In the fall of 2006, like Ryan Dingle, Turek embarked on a three year college hockey career with his home state Michigan State Spartans, where he had 9 assists in 80 games. He then turned pro with the ECHL's Alaska Aces where in two seasons he had 16 pts (6 goals) plus 111 PIMs along with 8 pts in 23 playoff matches. In the summer of 2010 Ryan Turek joined fellow aces Derick Martin and Matt Stefanishion in a rush South to Victoria. With the Salmon Kings he has formed an effective defensive partnership with ECHL All-Decade Team member Derick Martin. In their own way each of the "little kings" have brought individual skills that can be harnessed to contribute to team success. SILENT AUCTION...with only one December series before Santa arrives, the annual Booster Club Christmas Silent Auction is taking place during the current Stockton series. Some of the items offered are Christmas stockings in team colours and autographed by individual players. Others range from handmade jewellery to gift certificates for restaurants and various activities. This is an excellent opportunity to get something that could make a nice stocking stuffer or a treat for yourself. SEASON'S GREETINGS....May the spirit of Christmas bring forth peace and joy for all. A special Merry Christmas to all the fans of the Salmon Kings, the entire Salmon Kings organization, the staff from Aramark and ICM, our affiliates in Winnipeg and Vancouver and our partners who provide each games period prizes, Salt Spring Island Chocolates, Peninsula Co-op, and the Markets at Yates/Millstream.

One way of noting how successful an organization has become is the willingness of previous members to rejoin and contribute to the organization's further success. With a major offseason roster shakeup, Milan Gajic and Kiel McLeod were offered contracts and both signed on for a second tour of duty with the Victoria Salmon Kings. Milan Gajic played junior in his hometown of Burnaby with the Burnaby Bulldogs where a 98 pt season in 00-01 lead to four years in the NCAA with the Michigan Wolverines. In 158 college games he scored 52 goals and had a total of 105 pts. In 2005-06 he turned pro and after 17 games in the AHL with Providence he was sent to the ECHL's Gwinnet Gladiators. From there, he returned to BC with the Victoria Salmon Kings. In the two seasons with Victoria, Milan saw call-ups to the AHL teams in Manitoba and Houston. In 102 Salmon Kings' games, Gajic had 106 pts. In 08-09 he began the season in Denmark then came back and played for the ECHL Florida Everblades. Two seasons later he has brought his skills and speed back to Victoria where he always has been a fan favourite. Kiel McLeod- After two years of touring Austria and northern Italy, Kiel McLeod also inked a contract with Victoria this past summer. Drafted 8th overall out of Delta in the 1997 WHL Bantam Draft by the Kelowna Rockets, he had his best WHL season in 02-03 with 68 games, 39 goals, 90 pts and 163 PIMs. After junior, Kiel played for three AHL seasons in Springfield, Utah, San Antonio and Philadelphia. A brief stint with the ECHL Trenton Titans, McLeod joined the Salmon Kings where in 108 games, he would contribute 47 goals,98 pts and 233 PIMs plus 20 playoff games with 4 goals, 7 pts and 20 PIMs. In 2008, AHL's Albany signed Kiel McLeod to help their team where he played 20 games. Like many Canadians, a European adventure was on tap with a season in the Italian League with Cortina followed by a season in Austria. His Euro totals were 88 games, 40 goals, 91 pts, and 244 PIMs. This summer the popular big centre signed on to bring his experience and skill back to the Salmon Kings. Both Milan Gajic and Kiel McLeod are with each stat solidifying and enhancing their positions in the Salmon Kings all time stats package. Both have a clear shot at moving ahead of Ryan Wade's 2nd spot for goals and Gajic is close to moving ahead of Wes Goldie for assists. To show the current value of these two veterans consider that in the first 14 games of this season, Milan Gajic leads the team in First Goals and is tied for 2nd Period assists. Kiel McLeod leads in 2nd Period goals plus both 1st and 2nd period assists. PUCKS AND SANTA----Be sure to visit our Booster Club table on the concourse of Save on Foods Memorial Centre and see how the Goals That Give board is shaping up, let your kids check out the colouring station or they could write a letter to a favourite player or Marty the Marmot. Both of our tables will have autographed pucks for sale. On November 27th, we will be representing the Salmon Kings in the annual Santa Claus Light parade.

Posting a technically solid 39 save shutout, rookie goaltender Riley Gill sparked the Victoria Salmon Kings to their first victory of the young 2010-2011 season. His road to Victoria has taken him from Minnesota high school hockey, the far flung Jr A NAHL, plus college and pro hockey in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Two seasons with his hometown Northfield HS Raiders resulted in "all-conference" honours. Riley Gill next found himself in the NAHL with the Texarkana Bandits. As noted in a recent Victoria News article, he said that the players found that they had to break down the rink boards and glass to allow other events, e.g. rodeo, etc to take place then they would have to reassemble the rink. In 2005-06 he made the NAHL 2nd All-Star Team plus was named his teams MVP. Then Gill achieved something special with a scholarship to Kalamazoo based Western Michigan, becoming the first Northfield player to gain a Division One US college hockey scholarship. In his freshman season of 2006-07 he lead the CCHA with four shutouts, was named game star five times, plus he made the CCHA All-Rookie Team. Two seasons later he became the first ever WMU goalie to post back to back shutouts. In the playoffs, he posted a 54 save overtime victory over Lake Superior State. In his senior season of 2009-10, he started 30 games and secured his spot for all-time status at WMU finishing with career firsts in save percentage (91.5), shutouts (8) and second for goals against average (2.94). After a superb effort in a Feb, 2010 series versus Notre Dame, Riley Gill told the Kalamazoo Gazette that, as a goalie, "you want to get them to second guess themselves" and "that he had been better at seeing traffic and had that extra little confidence." In the same article, WMU head coach Jim Culhane stated that "Gill evoked the name of Broncos legend and 14 year NHL stalwart Glen Healy" and added that "Gill was just as impressive on video as he looked live...he was special all week." To cement a successful college career, Riley Gill found his name placed on the ballot for a chance to participate in the Frozen Four Skills Challenge. A BRIEF INTERLUDE--- On Sept 7, 1976, Northfield, Minnesota became part of American folklore when the Jesse James gang "raided" the town to rob a local bank. Each fall, this event is remembered with an annual outdoor festival whose name commemorates the stalwart defensive efforts of local townspeople who caused the raid to be less than successful. The festival is called The Defeat of Jesse James. TO THE PROS...March 16, 2010 -Riley Gill changed dressing rooms in Kalamazoo when he signed with the local ECHL Kalamazoo K-Wings. He played three regular season games, one of which was his first professional victory. Four playoff games followed, one a 52 save game in a close fought 3-2 overtime loss. One of the saves was made when Gill stopped a shot by former Salmon King Olivier Labelle. In Late October 2010, he was contacted by the Victoria Salmon Kings to join their training camp. In his first start, a road game in Boise, Idaho, he posted a 39 save shutout and was named the game's First Star. This allowed the Salmon Kings to gain a split in their opening road series. This was followed by a 32 save 3-1 victory in Las Vegas and another game star selection. His most recent outing was a 24 save 6-3 home victory over the Ontario Reign. With the history of successful goalies who have played minor professional or junior hockey in Victoria, it will be interesting for Salmon Kings fans to track the career of the first Minnesotan to play goal in the British Columbia cap. PARADES AND MORE....Monday, November 8th, our monthly meeting will take place at 6:30 pm at Montana's at the Tillicum Mall. The annual Santa Clause parade is on November 27th. Help in decorating the truck and along our part of the parade route is very much appreciated. TABLE ITEMS---be sure to stop by one of tables, either on the concourse or behind the club seats, and ask about our events, how to join us, track the Goals That Give board, have a look at our scrapbook, buy an autographed puck and if you have children, we have a colouring station plus they can write a letter to Marty or to their favourite Salmon King player.

A brilliant Wednesday greeted the VSKBC travel group as the fourth annual road trip to Idaho began. This time Marty would join us for photo ops. Boarding the 5 pm ferry, it was a leisurely sunset cruise through the Gulf Islands. Before we knew it, we were passing the Peach Arch monument and entering the maze that awaits entrants to the USA. Tradition demands that we spend time searching for a Hagen’s outlet in Bellingham, a group of late night supermarkets to purchase snacks and drinks for the road. This time we rapidly found a road we had used last time and marvelled at how the mall we went to had expanded. Night had now fallen and we passed the futuristic buildings that house the Microsoft complex in Everett. On and up over the Snoqualmie Pass in the dead of night. Pressing on, we were across the Columbia and into the northeast corner of Oregon. Lots of sage brush, farms, and rolling hills with hairpin turns. Soon we were passing Baker City, the site of an Oregon Trail Interpretive Centre. Pendleton and La Grande were in turn passed. Close to the Idaho border on Cement Plant Road one finds a cement plant alongside the highway. It is located in an area rich in lime, a key ingredient of cement. From a distance, lit up in the dark, it seemed to resemble a scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Up close, the towers of the plant, with it all lit up looked like a space shuttle awaiting its launch. Making good time, we were into Idaho ahead of schedule and soon found a restaurant where we had a nice breakfast buffet and one of our group had his first encounter with the famous Idaho potato. Back to the highway to Boise, soon passing the QWest Arena, Goldy's Restaurant, the State Capitol, Boise State University and Broncos Stadium and very soon check into our lodgings. We were booked into the Residence Inn by Marriott. After our long drive, time to rest and relax. That evening we had supper with Boise friends at a restaurant across from the Broncos Stadium, where we had noticed a full parking lot and lights on. A high school football game was being played there. Friday morning we enjoyed the complimentary buffet breakfast, then took Marty for a ride to get a close look at the State Capitol then over to QWest Arena to watch his favourite hockey team's pregame skate. As the players came off the ice, it was heartening that some of our team acknowledged our presence. For the afternoon, our group split with one headed for shopping opportunities and the other to take a closer look inside the State Capitol and explore Boise by foot. Not far from QWest Arena is the Basque Museum, which celebrates the large Basque presence in the state of Idaho, plus looks at Basque culture and history, both in Spain and the Americas. Walking along Capitol Avenue, which has the dome of the State Capitol at one end, and the Boise train station at the other, just before the bridge over the Boise River one finds the Ann Frank Memorial. It is an amphitheatre style location with peaceful waterfalls as a backdrop. Exploring more closely, one learns that this site is a tribute to the universality of human rights. It was a very warm day and perfect for a walk. Reunited, our group had an interesting glimpse of a big part of American culture as we took our shuttle to the arena. We ran into a police escorted convoy of decorated cars and trucks full of students from Borah High Sschool on their way to their football team's homecoming game. Perhaps it was simply opening night jitters, but in the end as Jeff Harris would say, "it was a tough night for Salmon Kings hockey." Idaho Steelheads rookie goalie Tyler Beskowany pitched a pro debut shutout and rookie head coach Hardy Sauter got his first win. The next morning our intrepid little band took Marty along and headed for the hills, literally. Traversing the road to Bogus Basin, a ski hill, we noticed houses in precarious locations, cyclists training on the road, and a few vistas to look down upon the valley where Boise is located. Soon we reached the 5,000 foot level and were into what the sign said Boise National Forest, which at that point, the forest was ironically not in sight. Further on we had to let Marty out for a while so he could search for his Idaho counterparts. Soon we headed back down and rapidly located the West Side Drive In, a 1950's style drive-in restaurant. They featured the "World Famous Ice Cream Idaho Potato" which one member of our group sampled and found that it was a meal unto itself. From here we visited a large mall then returned to the hotel to get ready for that night’s game. A pregame meal at Old Chicago brought us together with the Idaho Steelheads Booster Club. Meeting them, it's like a family reunion. Soon we were inside the arena and anxiously awaiting the events that were about to unfold. On a night when there was every excuse to stay home or go to a bar to watch the Boise State Broncos football game at San Jose State, a crowd of 3,300 came out to watch hockey. It turned out to be a night where the Salmon Kings would not be denied. Milan Gajic led the way with the games first two goals. Matt Stefanishion would add two assists. PJ Atherton and Derek Couture completed the scoring. Going into the third with a 4-0 lead, SKings rookie goalie, Minnesota native, Riley Gill stood tall as the Steelheads outshot Victoria 13 to 6. The Salmon Kings worked hard, utilizing the trap as needed and helped Riley Gill achieve a shutout in his first professional game. Early Sunday! 5:30 am! Back on the road, on the way home and were rapidly out of Idaho, Oregon was left in the dark, and in early daylight crossed the Columbia near the McNarry dam and entered into the vineyards of that region. Soon through Yakima, then Ellensburg and up into the daylight beauty of the Snoqualmie Pass. Around noon, we were over the summit of the pass and hooked onto the I5 in Bellevue and the rapid straight shot to the Canadian border. Our group had a very skilled and safe driver along with a navigator who can read and interpret a map accurately. Customs was cleared and we were able to board the 3 pm ferry. As we enjoyed the ferry lunch buffet,.a pod of killer whales appeared near the entrance to the Gulf Islands, almost as if they were saluting us on our way back from Idaho. Our 4th Annual Road trip was excellent and for the most part we did things as a group which made for many shared experiences. Marty's presence made for many special photo ops. ARMED FORCES WEEKEND===at Friday's complimentary breakfast buffet, a member of our group met members of a Canadian Air Force Mobile Repair Unit in Boise to take care of two old Tudor training jets that had broken down and were at the Boise airport. Informing them of the Salmon Kings games, the next two nights they added to the Canadian presence cheering for the Victoria team. On the way home, at a gas stop in Ellensburg we met a group from the Washington National Guard's 81st Infantry, also on their way home. They were friendly and appreciated being acknowledged by a small group of Canadians. Along the I5 we saw Canadian Army trucks headed for the border. TABLES WAITING== be sure to visit one of the Booster Club tables at games, one on the concourse the other behind the club seat level. Ask us about our activities; perhaps join the Victoria Salmon Kings Booster Club.

The presence of a minor professional hockey team can be a postive influence in the development of the sport. Southern Vancouver Island is a prime example. Doug Anderson, a popular player with the old pro WHL Victoria Cougars became the head coach of the wildly succesful BCJHL Cougars of the late 1960s. Fourty years later we are seeing the impact of former Salmon Kings from the early years of the franchise in Victoria involved in coaching at various levels. Most played for Bryan Maxwell in the inaugural season of 2004-05. Working our way from the higher levels on down, former All-Star dman Steve Lindgren spent some time as a Salmon Kings assistant coach. When the player who scored the first ever home goal for the SKings, Ryan Wade hung up his skates, Coach Mark Morrison tapped Ryan Wade to be an assitant coach. Two other players have moved on to assistant roles in US college hockey. Brad Dexter, original team captain has returned to his alma mater to help Colgate hockey. A late training camp cut in 2006, Nolan Graham went on to assist with the BCJHL Nanaimo Clippers, then became the head coach of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs where he rejuvenited the fortunes of that franchise. This fall he has become an assistant at RPI. Up in Duncan, Dale Purinton, with lots of pro expereince is the head coach of the Cowichan Valley Capitals. His staff could be affectionatelly called a "Salmon King Mafia" with 04-05 teamates Mike Barrie (assistant) and Kelly Sheilds(Goalies) helping. The rival Victoria Grizzles have an ECHL veteran, Victor Gervais as bench boss. He played for the Hampton Roads Admirals under legendary coach John Brophy. This summer, Gervais recruited a former Salmon King defender. Brad Cook, to leave his VIJHL Jr B head coaching job with the Saanich Braves to be an assistant with the Grizzles. This opened the door for former SKings enforcer Robin Gomez to begin his coaching career with the Saanich Braves. David Brumby spent some time as goalie coach with the BCJHL Grizzlies, role now filled by Dean Whitney. Over in Alberta, 04-05 goalie Jamie McCaig is offically a goalie coach with the AJHL Grand Prairie Storm, goalie consultant for BCJHL Merrit and the new NAHL Dawson Creek Rage. McCaig is also an owner/instructor of Above The Crease goalteninding shools. Nate Forster spent time in the VIJHL as head coach of two teams, the Sooke Stingers and the Peninsula Panthers. Up in Nanaimo, Micheal Olson, the heart and sole of recent great Clipper teams has moved from the Idaho Steelheads to work as an assistant coach with his former Jr A team. One is struck by how many of the players of that initial 2004-2005 team coached by Bryan Maxwell are now helping to develop the players of the future. BOOSTER CLUB MEETING--the October meeting will be at 6:30 pm Monday Oct 4 at SOFMC, in the boardroom near Gate 3. SKATE---after the exhibiton game on the afternoon of Sunday Oct 10 there will be a Skate With The Salmon Kings. Tables will be set up to provide info and promote upcoming events at both games vs UBC. GOLF IN LANGFORD--A junior member's event will see players assigned by the team joining junior members in a round of mini-golf at the Langford Fun Park adjacent to the Eagle Ridge centre. SANTA IS COMING--on Sat Nov 20 we will once again have an entry into the annual Santa Claus Parade. Much of the fun is decorating the truck earlier in the day while listening to Pam's excellent collection of hockey related songs. TRAINING CAMP----this weekend, the players who will battle for spots on this years Victoria Salmon Kings will gather for fitness testing at SOFMC, followed by the on ice sessions starting 10 am Monday, October 4. These sessions are open to the public. ROAD TRIP---members of the Booster Club will make the annual trek to Idaho which will see us cheering on the Salmon Kings as they open their season in Boise.

As the nights of August start to show the signs of a fall chill, televised footage of pro players skating, and with Jr B leagues playing exhibition games, this means that the ECHL season is not far off. By early October teams will be holding training camps all across the continent. This is an excellent time to get involved with the Victoria Salmon Kings Booster Club. You can help on various game nights by helping to "man" one of our two table before games and between periods. Help in delivering our period prizes is always welcome. Perhaps you have personal skills that can be marshalled for our cause. Whether these are artistic, organizational skills, or maybe you just like hockey----your efforts to help us will be greatly appreciated. There are oppurtunites at some events to meet the players. Last season there was the Annual Players Making Crafts Day, an "appies" night, and a pizza event. We also represent the Victoria Salmon Kings organization in the annual Santa Claus Parade that goes along Government Street. Much of the fun is getting together that morning to decorate the truck while we listen to hockey and arena related songs. One of our traditons is the Annual Road Trip to Boise, Idaho. Last March, six of us took part and you can read about it in an earlier blog on this page. The ECHL schedule is a little different this season necessating a trip right at the start of the season. Thus we will see the Salmon Kings first two games of the season, Oct 15-16 in Boise. The Victoria Salmon Kings Booster Club has develped a wonderful rapport with our counterparts in the Idaho Steelheads Booster Club. When we meet, it is like a family reunion. At various times of the season, we hold Silent Auctions. We are always looking for donation, these could be items that are obtained from various places, such as gift certificates or perhaps items you would like to make something yourself (please check first to avoid any team trademark issues) are useful. As the playoff portion of the season winds down, some Booster Club members along with family and friends morph into Marty'z Anglelz. This is an Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay Team and last spring's activitiies are aslo noted on an earlier blog. It is a wonderful cause and worth all the car washes, karoke nights, and other fundraising activites, plus at UVIC you can walk, run, or just cheer along the team. Booster Club meetings are held once a month. They are not overly long and quite informative. They also are a good time to bring up ideas you may have. Sometimes meetings are primarly brain storming as each of us contributes ideas. Hopefully this blog will make you think of joining our merry band. Many of you may be familiar with the famous British First World War poster where Lord Kitchner points directily and states "You Country Need You." Now imagine the Salmon King player of your choice on a big poster in full gear with gloved finger pointing at you and he says "YOUR BOOSTER CLUB NEEDS YOU." FUN FACT---According to www.eliteprospects.com the Salmon Kings at the moment are the oldest, tallest and heaviest team on the ECHL National Conference.

With style and panache, Wes Goldie patrolled the right wing for the Victoria Salmon Kings over the course of four seasons. In that time, he became the team career leader in many offensive categories. Four consecutive 40 goal campaigns, a remarkable feat that may not be eclipsed for a long time. History was made with his 48 goals in 2008-2009 when he went ahead of the 46 goal single season Victoria minor pro record set by Andy Hebenton in 1954-55. In February 2010, Wes Goldie went ahead of Ryan Wade for games played as a Salmon King; he is truly "The Ironman" having played every game, regular season(288) and playoffs(31). In his last two seasons he was the team captain. In playoffs he had 34 points and 17 goals in 31 games. Off-ice, Wes Goldie and his wife Marsha were strong supporters of the Booster Club. They were sympathetic to the Salmon Kings Booster Club's efforts to promote interest in the team. Whether signing autographs or interacting with fans, Wes Goldie was always a gentleman with a big smile. This winter, with Wes having moved on it will seem strange at SOFMC not to hear Cliff Lequesne's announcement, "Salmon Kings goal scored by number sixteen, Wes Goooolllddiieee!!! The Booster Club wishes to thank Wes for all of his efforts to make Salmon Kings hockey an integral part of the Victoria sports community. We wish him and his family all the best for the future. Flash Forward a few years-----With Cliff Lequesne reading the speech, Wes Goldie is inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame as a worthy representative of minor professional sports in Victoria in the early years of the 21st Century.

Last Thursday, July 8, under a sultry late afternoon sun, a special event that aided a good cause and showed how much Canadians love hockey, in summer or winter. Inspired by "How Canadians were united by the Winter Olympics", Canucks blogger Richard Loat organized the Five Hole For Food tour. With the co-operation of professional and major junior hockey teams across the nation, street hockey games were organized that also encouraged those participating or watching to bring in donations for a designated local Food bank. Marty the Marmot, in his red sweater, took charge of the traditional stick toss to determine who would be on Team Red or Team White. Marty was as always both entertaining and a very postive influence at this event. Apparently Team White won 5-4 in overtime, but the real winners were those who helped to make Victoria's donation total 956 pounds of food, which with just Vancouver left , was the largest for any single city. Salmon Kings forward Matt Siddall was respendlent in his red sweater, shorts, and flip flops. Is this the "offical summer" uniform of the Victoria Salmon Kings. CHEK TV did its weather and sports live from the Topaz Park lacrosse box. A fascinating behind the scenes look at "tv magic" was how some simple props were set up to allow Ed Bain to do a successful weather report, despite Marty's attempts to playfull disrupt with him by pretending to cross check Ed, who then stated that Marty the Marmot is " a former member of the Broadloom Bullies." A surrealistc moment was watching Jeff King do his sports report live on the box lacrosse floor, while the street hockey game was being played. Thanks go to Marty the Marmot, Matt Siddall, Salmon Kings office staff, and all those who once again, with donatons, showed Victoria's genorisity of spirit. Also, I wish to acknowledge the Five Hole For Food website with providing me with information used in this blog. Perhaps next year, the game could take place on the Ships Point Wharf or near Dallas Road, which would make for spectacular photo-op backgrounds.

With individual and team fundraising efforts completed, Marty's Angelz through the morning of May 29 assembled at UVIC's Centennial Stadium for the 2010 24 Hour Relay. Our campsite was located in "Satellite Tent City" which allowed us be close to the Start/Finish line and the various activities available. Festivities began with a parade of the previous year's top fundraising teams. Marty the Marmot arrived for this and would return the next morning for the closing ceremony. Then we took turns, separately or in groups to run or walk the relay route. This took us around Ring Road and then a lap of the Stadium. On the relay route there was, for the most part, a wonderful camaraderie and friendly encouragement passed back and forth. Early Sunday morning, around 2 am we had an inspirational conversation with Mr Harrison of the Sooke team, who at that point was about to complete 75K and would reach his goal of 100K by relay's end. His words of encouragement and advice were very much appreciated. Earlier my walking partner Cynthia chose to run a lap and as she came near the basketball court I called out a cheer and another young member of Marty's Angelz ran alongside for a while as he dribbled a basketball. Each team member chose which activity they might do, some chose to hang out at the campsite, others played basketball and other available games, watched the live music and late night movies. Some watched the Stanley Cup Playoff game in the Beer Garden, which later hosted poker and bingo. It was a very colourful weekend, with both campsites and team uniforms ranging from the traditional to whimsical. Some opted to decorate their campsites, and two of our adjacent teams, Ladysmith Madness and Royally Flushed were voted two of the best decorated campsites. SIXTH OVERALL---when the final totals were announced, Marty's Anglez, with $10,912 had the sixth highest team fundraising total out of 60 teams! Putting this all into perspective was the smile on our sponsored camper, Keely's face. It was truly priceless. LAST LAP---with a hint of rain that did not come until we were all at home, we were able to find a couple of round tables for the pancake breakfast and that became a fun, yet unplanned team event. As the 24 Hour mark was approaching, Marty came walking through the parking lot. Just like when we were waiting our turn to move off in the Santa Claus parade, our campsite neighbours all wanted to have Marty pose with them for photos. Unfurling our Victoria Salmon Kings Booster Club banner and with Cayla carrying the Marty's Anglez Top Fundraising sign, we began our last lap around the Centennial Stadium track. BOTTLE DEPOT----To continue our fundraising efforts and start for next year's relay, an account, called Marty's Anglez has been established at the Quadra and Glanford Bottle Depot locations. If you wish to join our 2011 24 Hour Relay team or join the Victoria Salmon Kings booster club for the 2010/11 Season please email salmonkingsboosterclub@gmail.com

Not long from now, 1 week! Marty's Angelz relay team will gather at UVIC's Centennial Stadium for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 24 Hour Relay in Victoria. We will be joined at both the opening and closing by the the best mascot in the ECHL, the Salmon Kings' Marty the Marmot. Last Saturday a fundraiser was held at Sopranos. A silent auction, a raffle, and karoke singing, plus a few Marty's Shots made for a very successful night as we raised a good sum for the kids. Friends of team members helped out and participated in the Karoke etc. We have an account with The Bottle Depot, at the Quadra and Glanford locations. You can take your bottles and cans there and ask that the total be added to the account named Marty's Angelz. Should you wish to make a donation to our effort, you can do so online at the 24 Hour Relay site at https://secure.csfm.com/24hourrelay/donate/index.php relay_type=isle&d_type=team&year=2010&team_id=1122&visible_team=056 At our June Monthly Booster Club meeting we will be accepting nominations for executive postions that will then be voted on at our July AGM (Annual General Meeting). Should you be interested in joining our booster club please join us at www.salmonkingsboosterclub.com.