The society that oversees Chase’s junior hockey team has received a $15,000 community gaming grant from the B.C. government.
The Chase Heat is a member of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League and is owned by the Heat Junior Hockey Society.
The grant will help cover expenses such as equipment costs and ice time at Art Holding Memorial Arena.
“Community-owned sports teams have a difficult time raising enough money to survive year after year,” Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone said. “The Heat junior hockey club is an important part of the community of Chase and our government is proud to support it.”
“On behalf of the Heat Junior Hockey Society and the Chase Heat junior hockey team, I wish to thank the provincial government for this grant,” Heat president Scott Koch said. “We are a small-market team that struggles to find adequate funds to operate on an annual basis. This grant assists us significantly with expenses, and also supports the entire community of Chase.”
Organizations interested in applying for Community Gaming Grants can find information and applications at pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming.
Meanwhile, the Chase Heat is gearing up for the 2015/16 hockey season.
The organization recently announced the position of team captain will be filled by 6’3” defenceman Trevor Okino. The 20-year-old Richmond, B.C. native was named the KIJHL’s Most Sportsmanlike player for the 2014/15 season.
“Oak is that guy –someone who comes along and can change the entire character of a hockey club,” says Heat operations director Brad Fox. “When called upon, he can play offensively on the top line as a forward, which provides a whole other dimension to the team.”
