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BATC is lending support to the 18U AAA Stars, in order to see a full barn on Sunday. (submitted/BATC)
Home crowd

BATC paying for fans supporting AAA Stars on Sunday

Mar 19, 2022 | 4:00 PM

Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) are making sure the 18U AAA Stars will have a rowdy atmosphere on Sunday.

The tribal council of local First Nations is paying for tickets to the Access Communications Centre, where the Stars host the top ranked Notre Dame Hounds in Game 4 of their first round series. This effort is intended to keep the stands full after the opening home stand of the Battlefords North Stars SJHL series against Flin Flon.

Leslie Ann Smith, Community Health Navigator for BATC, said they want to support the local indigenous players competing for the Stars, along with the rest of the squad. This includes Easton Debray, Easton Adrian and Dayne Henry on defence and Kobie Anderson, Treycen Wuttunee, Ayden Belanger and Rylan Williams on the frontline.

“You seem to do a lot better when you fill the rink, so we’re hoping to get everyone from the Battlefords to come out and support these boys,” Smith said. “They’ve got a great coaching staff and are a super bunch of guys.”

Three players are from BATC membership bands. Wuttunee is from Red Pheasant Cree Nation, while Anderson and Belanger are from Salteaux First Nation.

Smith added that BATC has supported and sponsored youth in a variety of athletic endeavors in the past and will continue to do so.

“Our mission is to ensure that all sports are inclusive for all children,” she said.

The Stars trail two games to one, after losing in Wilcox on Thursday. If they pull off the victory, Game 5 go back to the Duncan McNeill Arena on Wednesday.

There will be other benefits to attending, side from the on-ice action. Thanks to local dentist Dr. Stacey Churchill, the 50/50 at the game will be guaranteed at $1,500. Smith added that there will be donation options for local charities.

“We’re going to have a drop off for non-perishable items going to the Miwasin Kikinaw shelter (formerly the Lighthouse),” she said.

Puck drop at the ACC is 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening.

cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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