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.