Wish you were here: Powell River Kings

Powell River Kings at the Hap Parker

The goal is to have 1,000 people in the stands for each of the Powell River Kings Junior A hockey team’s home games, says new franchise president Aaron Reid. Before COVID, the average was about 808 bums in seats. Since then, it’s dropped to 668.

“Only three teams in the league are run by non-profits now,” she explained, noting that Prince George and Merritt are also board-governed. “The other teams have much deeper pockets than we do, because they’re owned by people with loads of cash and a passion for junior hockey,” meaning they can pump money into to player development, marketing and other supports.

“It matters, because if we lose this franchise, we’ll never get it back. The other teams don’t want to travel here.”

We have to hold on, Aaron said. In addition to the ticket sales loss, the team is also reeling from the loss of Catalyst as a major sponsor. Plus, the coming league rule that the players’ billeting costs will have to be covered by the franchise, rather than the players’ parents – which will total another $11,000 a month. So this winter, she is laser-focused on getting people to games again, using, among other tools, her own social media account to promote volunteerism and sales.

Part of the problem, Aaron admits, is the team is locked in a losing streak, and some fans believe it’s more fun to watch your home team win, than lose. Don’t decide whether you’re going to go based on stats, Aaron urges. It’s all about the show, and this team’s 22 players really bring it.

$17 FOR A SUPER NIGHT OUT

That’s what the Kings’ new president, Aaron Reid, is hoping more folks choose. Kings photo by Alicia Bass.

“When everyone in the building is yelling and cheering, it’s not even about the hockey, it’s about the energy,” she said. “Last weekend we played the Penticton Vees. They’re undefeated. But the Kings put on such a show. The performance that every one of our boys brought was just awesome. It really is all about the energy.”

Like everything else, qathet’s isolation means we have to work harder for the things we have. Compared to other teams in the BC Junior Hockey League, yes, we have small numbers of fans in the stands, but not for the size of our population; Penticton gets the most fans out at 2,599 on average (3,092 just before COVID), but the city is 37,000-strong; Chilliwack gets 2,064 (2,031 preCOVID) (pop. 93,000); the Langley Rivermen attract just 405 (763 before COVID) (pop. 29,000). Of the 18 teams in the BCHL, the Merritt Centennials bring out the fewest fans: just 230 on average (pop. 7,000).

For an adult ticket, it’s $17. That buys a three-hour evening with access to food and a beer garden (or a new no-alcohol section).

pieta@prliving.ca