A true sign of the character and love of the game of hockey of Dryden GM Ice Dogs Head Coach and GM Kurt Walsten.
President Mike Sveinson says Walsten has stepped up and made a huge sacrifice to help the team survive this season.
“Kurt understands the challenges we face and is committed to the Ice Dogs long term. He’s committed to Dryden long term. So I wanted the public to know that. This is a guy who has taken a cut in his salary just so that we can keep on moving forward.”
Sveinson adds “He’s allowed his contract to be renegotiated to let the team weather the storm financially throughout this year. We are super fortunate to have that. Without that it’s one more challenge we have to face.”
Kurt Walsten has been the bench boss of the Ice Dogs since 2014-2015 and has guided the team to two Bill Salonen Cups.
COVID-19 and the cancellation of games have crippled budgets for most Junior Hockey teams in Canada.
Sveinson says the SIJHL season ended before the playoffs last year and that’s where they make most of their money.
Sveinson stresses they will be asking for the support, sponsorship and the fundraising that they always do in order to combat current shutdowns.
“I just hope that the people are supportive and understand that we do have the challenges here and that we do need the help. We are going to announce a general meeting coming up in September. Hope members of the community show up and want to take part.”
Sveinson says they plan to hold a long training camp in mid-October in preparation for a scheduled mid-November start-up.
To hear more from Ice Dogs President Mike Sveinson, visit the Audio link below.
