The Dragons are putting their faith in the land, weather, and a few seeds, hoping to build a Field of Dreams.
On Tuesday, May 10, there was a planting party on a parcel of land, west of the golf course, where the Dragons are betting on “If you grow it, it will come.”
The Field of Dreams is a fundraiser for the team. They have partnered with local sponsors to support the crop through machinery, fuel, and fertilizer. Fans will be able to keep an eye on the crop as it comes up. Dragons chairman Blair Christianson says the project is important to keep the team viable.
“For a number of years, even prior to COVID, we have been looking for one or two big things we could do for the team as a fundraiser because fundraising is a big part of our budget, and this is a great thing that has come together. COVID has made a couple of tough years with limitations and restrictions on gatherings, and food and beverages in the arena. So having this to rally around, it is going to be a big part of our fundraising budget, and we couldn’t be any happier.”
The idea was instigated by Dustin Edwards, and he has seen a few other teams do it. It is quite simple, through the support of partners, they plant a crop, nourish it and harvest it, and in the end, they can sell it as a fundraiser.
”We have 120 acres right before the golf course to do this project on,” he said.
They have taken on several partners, including Brandt, who allowed them to use the big green equipment to plant the crop.
“I have been a part of a couple of these things before, and Dustin and I sat down and put our heads together and came up with a plan, and we are excited to be a part of it,” said Jason Morgan, sales manager for Brandt Drumheller and Trochu. “The Dragons have given us the opportunity, and we are going to use it as a training event. When we get seeding, we are going to bring staff members to do some training. We are always looking for opportunities and people’s land to do such events, so it works out for both of us.”
They are also supported by Westview Co-op, which is supplying fuel for seeding, as well as fertilizer.
“We always try to support as much as we can in the communities we work in and live in, so we are super happy to be participating,” said Leigh Dudley, division manager of Ag and Energy.
Other partners include Fox Coulee Farms, Brokerlink Insurance, and Koch Fuels, which will be supplying fuel for harvest.
“We like to sponsor locally, and the Dragons in particular,’’ said Jarred Potter of Brokerlink, who is also a Dragons alum. “When this opportunity came up it was a no-brainer for Brokerlink.”
Koch Fuels also have a Dragon’s connection as Brandon Knelsen also spent time on the ice with the team.
“I think when something like this happens and the community rallies around the Dragons during these tough times, anytime you can be a part of that and get ingrained in the community and support, we want to do that. We want to be there for our community,” said Kneslsen. “Hockey was a big part of my life… junior hockey is pretty special because the community has to embrace it in small towns.”