Blogs from the Broadcast Booth - Les Stoodley

The Wildcats use the slogan, "Your Community Team" and it is accurate to a fault. When it comes to community involvement and exposure the best example would be team Mascot, Wild Willie, who makes appearances at dozens of events in the South-Eastern New Brunswick area every month. The fury, fun character, who by the way has a new look this season, brings laughter and joy the faces of sick children. Willie poses for hundreds of photos with fans and lifts the spirit of the team at the Coliseum. Knowing Willie is know happiness.

Then there's the support of local charities through many partnerships. The 50/50 draw is a cooperative venture between the Lewisville-Sunny Brae Lions Club and the Wildcats. Last year over $8,000.00 was raised to support the Moncton Food Depot Alimintaire.Every home game the Lions volunteer their time selling tickets and fans benefit. So far this year fans have won over $11,000.00 in the 50/50 draw.

At each game there's the Cats Corner, where area non-profit groups get 20 tickets purchased by the Greater Moncton Progress Club. This partnership was formed a couple of years ago and was conceived by Chris Morehouse, a New Brunswick native, who went on to captain the Wildcats. Hundreds of fans, who would perhaps not otherwise see the Cats play benfit from this program.

Next weekend the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will benefit from the "Pink in the Rink" weekend. For the games Lewiston and Halifax, the Wildcats will wear pink and white jerseys and socks which will be auctioned after the games. Last year's effort was an overwhelming success and it's interesting to note that all 18 teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will participate in this year's program.

Since October has dawned on us, its not to soon to mention the annual Teddy Bear Toss, where fans bring hundreds of stuffed toys which go to children in our area hospitals at Christmas time.

Finally, my favorite Community event. The Remembrance day tribute to our veterans which will take place this year on Friday, November 6th. Each year I have the unique honour of reciting "In Flanders Fields." It is a moment I cherish since it provides me the opportunity to, in a small way, remember and salute those who paid the ultimate price in battle. It also allows me to pay tribute to the women and men, who preserved freedom, one of whom was my uncle Tom Crews who served with distinction in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. A "Community Team" the Wildcats are indeed.