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The Citizen, 1994-03-09, Page 11THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9,1994. PAGE 11. Community gets 10 days to save Bulls from axe The Brussels Bulls have been given one last chance at survival; a 10 day reprieve before the axe will fall. Approximately 25 people gathered at the B. M. & G. arena on Monday night to discuss the future of the team. Bull's President Joe Kerr outlined three major requirements set out by the executive, which would determine if the team would stay. "The present seven executives are not enough to keep the team going. A minimum of 15 is needed to run the organization and put on the fundraisers that are needed to support the Bulls," he says. "We must find a way to increase fan support and find new fundraising methods." "In 1990, the Bulls' budget was $70,000," says executive member Brian Rutledge, "and this year we operated on $35,000. We can’t continue to do that because the team needs new equipment and fixed costs continue to rise." Mr. Kerr says the team witnessed declining fan interest and lost approximately $8,000 this season. "We have had considerable interest from three or four centres, particularly Kincardine and Palmerston, who would like to purchase the Bulls. We are holding this meeting to determine if the community wants the team, will support them and can support them." There was a general consensus from the gathering that the community wants the team to stay. Several ideas were bantered about with regards to methods to support the team. Bob Rowe, owner of JR's in Brussels has agreed to sell Nevada tickets. Bulls' manager, Ken Ball says other Junior teams have been able to raise over $20,000 (in larger centres) through the sale of the tickets. There was hope expressed that the Brussels area could raise $10,000 with Nevada tickets. It was also suggested that sponsors be found to buy the ice time for the team. The sponsor might receive free tickets to get people interested in the team. There was considerable discussion pertaining to the lack of local players on the team. Most of the participants expressed the thought that the Brussels community would support the Bulls more if local players earned positions on the team. Several people, including Bulls' coach Scott Pettigrew said the minor hockey teams in the region had gone through a phase where they were few local players interested or able to play for the Bulls. Mr. Pettigrew and Gary Dauphin, coach of the Midget team, said there are five to seven local players who could make good showings at the Bulls' training camp, with two possibly making the team. Mr. Ball says the other players could be signed as affiliates to be brought up to Jr. C when needed. Mr. Kerr suggested bringing some of the Midget, Bantam and Juvenile players to the Bulls' practices to learn skills and get them interested in playing for the Bulls. On the same note, Mr. Pettigrew said there should be a concerted effort to develop better communication between the teams to make the callups go more smoothly. He also suggested the Optimists, Lions and any other organizations be brought in to help with fundraisers. "If two or three groups got together, with more people and ideas, bigger projects could be undertaken and would benefit all clubs," he says. " "Instead of everyone collecting nickels and dimes, we could give the community their money's worth with a joint effort." Another idea considered to help increase fan attendance was to set a common time for every Bulls' game. Those interested would always know when their team was playing. Considerable frustration was expressed by one member of the executive, who said there was a great need to get more active Shooting past The first leg of the Brussels Optimist hockey tournament was played this past weekend witn the C division teams facing off. Brussels met up with Howick early Saturday morning, losing 5- 1. The second team Brussels played was Tavistock. Brussels pulled the goalie in the final minutes to try and tie the 3-2 game, but Tavistock got a break and widened the margin by two. Tavistock went on to win the B, while Lucan claimed the A. This weekend the Optimists host the B division teams. people involved on the executive committee. Mr. Pettigrew told the group Brussels is highly regarded in southern Ontario as a good hockey town with a classy organization. "We have to draw people from a larger area to keep the team competitive." Those involved with the Bulls say this year's team was a good bunch of guys and many would be upset if they couldn't come back to Brussels. Mr. Pettigrew encouraged members of the Lions and Optimists, who were present at the meeting, to talk to their members to gauge interest in the team and their co-operation for support. The club members will also be asked to stand as executives. Both clubs meet on Monday, March 15. Interest, or the lack of, will be relayed to the executive of the Bulls by March 17, at which time a final decision will be made concerning their future. Anyone interested in serving on the executive of the Bulls, whether from Brussels or any of the surrounding communities, is encouraged to contact a member immediately. March 17 may be the last day for the Brussels Bulls. Wingham downs Midgets 3-2 By Rusty Blades The Blyth Midgets played a single exhibition game last week as they travelled to Wingham on March 6 and were nipped 3-2 by the home team. Wingham scored the only goal of the first frame but Blyth responded in the first minute of the second to knot the score 1-1. While enjoying a man-advantage situation Wilfred Datema set up defencemate Peter Craig whose blast from the blueline found nothing but twine. Four minutes later Wingham scored a powerplay goal of their own to take the lead once again and they increased the count to 3-1 before the period expired. The score remained 3-1 in Wingham's favour before Blyth crept to within a goal half way through the third period. Ryan Chamney and Peter Craig garnered the assists as Mike Heffron deposited the rebound of Craig's point shot past a sprawled Wingham puckstopper. Wingham gave Blyth every opportunity to tie the game as they wore a path to the penalty box the rest of the game. Blyth had plenty of chances but were unable to cash them in as Wingham hung on to edge the visitors 3-2. Goalkeeper . —i. BUILDINC TOMORROW ...TODAY Please contribute to: 56 SPARKS ST OTTAWA K1P 5B1 TEL: (613)234-6827 FAX: (613)234-6842 Chris Lee rebounded with a strong game between the pipes as he kept Blyth in the game early with some fine saves. This was a good tuneup game for ANSTETT JEWELLERS LTD. 8 Albert St., Clinton 482-3901 the boss" at our store. The entire sales staff is knowledgeable and courteous, trained to meet your needs. The owner is in the store, along with sales associates Mary Morley and Becky Stoddart, ready to help you personally. Our full service repair department is now use. Canada conveniently located in our Clinton location ready with prompt service for all your jewellery repair \ needs! We’re American Gem Society jewelers —here to serve you. Boss’s orders. the Midgets as they are participating in the Port Stanley Kanagio Midget Tournament this weekend to kick off their March break. “As a wife and mum to several children, I can assure you it can be done! The key is a supportive family, and the three Z>’s; desire, determination and discipline. Go for it! Wendy Stevenson, BA 1993 Angela Armilt Award Winner z LU H (/) LU 5 Do you have the Desire, Determination, Discipline or the Dream to pursue your degree at The University of Western Ontario? Come to our counselling session to explore your answers to this critical question. One hour at this counselling session could mean satisfaction and achievement for years to come. CLINTON Monday, March 21,4:00-6:00 pm Central Huron Secondary School, Room 129 Snow Date: Monday, March 28 OR PHONE-IN COUNSELLING: Tuesday, March 15, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Call collect to (519) 661-3635 these hours only For further information, contact: Meryl Thomas, UWO Clinton Representative at (519) 482-9467 or the Faculty of Part-Time and Continuing Education Counselling Office, (519) 661-3635.