COMMUNITY IS KEY FOR THE MOOSEHEADS
02/12/2016
Staying involved in the community is something the Halifax Mooseheads Hockey Club has prided itself in over the past 22 seasons. The team often makes at least one visit to a school, hospital or event per week during the course of a season.
Community liaison manager Jamie McGinnis admits it’s a privilege the players and team do not take for granted.
“We are lucky enough to be in a position with a large, supportive fan base. This puts us in a position where we can shine a light on individuals and organizations that are trying to make our community a better place to live in,” he said.
The enthusiasm of the players for this type of thing while trying to balance a busy hockey and school schedule has been a pleasant surprise for McGinnis.
“I have been here for almost two years now, and not once have I had a player not want to attend a community event. It truly blows my mind. It is not only always a yes, but an enthusiastic yes.”
(Above: Brett Crossley reads to Astral Drive Elementary students)
Veteran forward Kelly Bent, known for a physical and pesky style of play on the ice, has emerged as one of the team leaders in the community.
“For me it’s been a big honour to go out in the community and be able to talk and be involved in helping people,” Bent said.
“The best part about going to these events is seeing the smile and cheer in the kids when they see us arrive. You go into it expecting to teach them something but in the end it’s the kids that teach you something.”
The Halifax native was once one of those kids in the classroom and remembers how he felt when the hometown Mooseheads would make an appearance.
“I was over the moon when they came. Knowing that feeling I had, I want to give that back to the community and kids so they can feel the same way I did.”
McGinnis agrees that Bent has shown true leadership in the community this season.
“Kelly has participated in well over a dozen community events, which is quite special, considering his busy schedule.”
On a team that is one of the youngest in the entire QMJHL, Bent feels it’s the job of the veterans to lead by example.
“As an overage player it’s our job to set an example for the young guys. We were their age too at one point and looked up to the older guys. So we try to lead by example on and off the ice.”
The team regularly visits the IWK Health Centre including the teen lounge where kids are able to hang out and play games and act as healthy teens would do outside of the hospital.
The act of giving back has provided many personal benefits for Mooseheads players over the years.
“Our goal is to not only improve their abilities as hockey players, but everyone in our organization has a role in helping our players improve in other areas of their lives, whether it’s their school work or their mental and physical health. Everyone in the organization plays a part, and the community element is another piece of that. The act of volunteering teaches empathy, and empathy is an important part to becoming a good productive citizen,” said McGinnis.
The Mooseheads have implemented a new program this season titled the “Scotiabank Young Community Hero” which has been headed by McGinnis.
Each month the team honours a Halifax area under-19 youth that has strived to make a difference in the community and honours them at a game. The community “hero” receives a Mooseheads prize package that includes 4 tickets to a home game, a personalized team Jersey, an in-game feature showcasing their efforts in the community, as well as $250 donation to a charity of their choice.
McGinnis thinks the project has been a success.
“We hope that by highlighting young people in our community who are trying to make the world a better place, like “Rachel Brouwer” who is making progress on her water purification project. We hope that these individuals will inspire other young people to do the same.”
McGinnis, who also handles game day operations for the Mooseheads, says being out in the community and helping to make a difference puts a smile on his face at the end of the day.
“It really is the most rewarding part of my job. When we visit the IWK, local elementary schools, or Minor Hockey teams and you see firsthand the reactions of the children, it truly is quite special. Another rewarding part for me personally, is talking with our players afterwards and seeing the enjoyment they get from the experience. “
The Mooseheads have certainly carved out a special place in the Halifax and surrounding area community since the inception of the team in 1994 and the club feels as though it’s just getting started.
