A new 50/50 draw is being launched to support the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
The provincial government, in partnership with the AJHL, is putting on the draw to help offset the revenue lost by the 15 teams, including the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
The five Albertan teams in the Western Hockey League – Calgary Hitmen, Edmonton Oil Kings, Red Deer Rebels, Lethbridge Hurricanes, and Medicine Hat Tigers – will also benefit from the fundraiser.
“Although the challenges over the past year were new and unfamiliar, the community support and passion for our teams has been unwavering and we are excited to capture that passion through this initiative,” said Ryan Bartoshyk, AJHL Commissioner.
The AJHL will hold 50/50 draws every weekend in March.
As part of the partnerships, each team will have to share some of their proceeds with local charities.
“We’re asking Albertans to provide a much-needed assist and purchase Jackpots For Junior Hockey 50/50 tickets,” added Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women.
According to the GoA, the AJHL contributes around $56 million to the provincial economy.
Meanwhile, the league has been given the green light to restart the 2021 season.
Training camp is slated to start in March, with an exact schedule still being created.
At the time the season was suspended, the Oil Barons had the league’s best record at 4-0-0.
ICYMI: On this edition of Fort McMurray Matters, we hear from the province, AJHL, and WHL about new 50/50 draws being held to support the teams #ymm #rmwb https://t.co/TtYys0VFa0
— MIX 103.7 News (@Mix1037FMNews) February 22, 2021