Ritch Winter, described as the NHL’s first player agent superstar, came home to Drumheller on Monday to address the Rotary Club. He represents many National Hockey League players including Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano and Marian Hossa of the Chicago Black Hawks.
He spoke of our children achieving dreams – setting goals, then achieving those goals. “The idea is to inspire and encourage children to believe in themselves. It’s been found that grades increase 8 – 10 per cent.”
With this in mind Winter, approached Rotary to develop what would be the largest annual scholarship program in the history of Drumheller. It would focus on students who may be struggling with their grades and work with them to establish goals. Often, these students will turn out to be community leaders, all because they achieved the goals they set in school.
Winter grew up in Drumheller adding: “You don’t realize how valuable it is that you are living in Drumheller. Here, people care. This is something not often seen in large cities.”
In his youth Winter, was the star catcher for the Drumheller Hopewells, the only area Sandlot team (Little League) to win the Alberta championship. Following his presentation he took the opportunity to renew friendships with his coaches and managers of the club. Pictured holding the photo of the 1970 team are Nick Sereda, Bernie Wade, Ritch Winter and Jim Fisher.