Sharks captain Danika Dureau (left) and Hounds captain Logan Eisner (right) line up for the ceremonial puck drop ahead of the Sharks home opener. (submitted photo/Jeanne Gilchrist)

By Ryan Lambert

Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks

Battlefords Sharks reach sponsorship agreement with WPD Ambulance

Oct 7, 2025 | 12:59 PM

After the newly named Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks started off the year on the road, they had their home opener at Battlefords Arena on Saturday against the Notre Dame Hounds.

Prior to the game after each player was introduced to the home crowd in Battleford, it was announced the Sharks reached an expanded sponsorship deal with WPD Ambulance to become the Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks.

“I think it just signifies to the community that we’re more than just an ambulance service and we’re part of the community,” said WPD Ambulance owner Walter Dutchak who strives to help the Sharks who may not be in the spotlight when it comes to hockey in the Battlefords.

“We always look for ways to help, kind of the underdogs. The girls are probably not the top team in everybody’s eyes as far as the North Stars go…the Sharks are kind of those underdogs, and they are very good actually. They’re a good team, good coach…they’re doing a heck of a job,” said Dutchak.

WPD Ambulance has been partnered with the team as the jersey sponsor since the 2023-24 season and the naming rights deal is set until the 2028-29 season. Dutchak spoke about how it may be easier for teams in bigger cities like Saskatoon or Regina than smaller areas, so they were willing to help and expand the sponsorship deal.

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Sharks board director Jeanne Gilchrist provided a statement on what the sponsorship deal means to the team.

“Through sponsorship we are able to help defray seasonal expenses, thus reducing the financial barriers elite hockey can impose on aspiring young players. AAA hockey also provides scholarship opportunities and opens doors to higher education. We find these women who achieve this level of hockey also grow strong community building skills. They become a vibrant part of their home communities. They also become coaches, mentors and even officials. When we help them succeed, we help our communities succeed.”

Dutchak said that there is more to come, but the community will have to wait and see what that entails. “There’s going to be some things (we have) planned for the girls…so that’ll be coming along and we’ll always kind of look if there’s some ways, we can help in addition to what we’ve committed to already this year.”

The Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks had a positive start to their tenure with a new name with two home wins over the Notre Dame Hounds over the weekend. The team continues their season this weekend in Saskatoon against the Saskatoon Stars.

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Ryan.lambert@pattisonmedia.com