Five years back, Asha Petrie was gearing up to conclude her minor hockey journey on a high note, preparing for her final season with the AAA U18 Lloydminster PWM Steelers. Unfortunately, the 2020-21 hockey season came to a halt due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unexpected cancellation left Petrie and her fellow players disheartened, especially those transitioning out of minor hockey who had limited local opportunities available.
In light of the situation, Steelers head coach Morgan Mann recognized the significance of the lost season for his players. Collaborating with a committed team, Mann proposed an idea that reshaped girls’ hockey in Lloydminster. This initiative led to the inception of a women’s hockey program at Lakeland College, providing a platform for local talent to aspire to play.
Over the past five years, the Lakeland Rustlers women’s hockey team has diligently raised funds to cover expenses such as ice rentals, travel costs, and referee fees. Through various endeavors like raffle ticket sales and hosting hockey camps, the team’s collective effort has been instrumental in sustaining the program. Community support has been instrumental, with organizations and businesses sponsoring the team’s jerseys and training gear.
Individual player involvement in fundraising is also significant, with the ‘Adopt-a-Rustler program’ requiring team members to secure personal sponsors, often from their hometowns outside of Lloydminster. Lakeland College provides financial backing through student scholarships and access to government grants, aiding in covering most operational costs for the team.
The Rustlers, competing in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference women’s hockey league, have defied initial doubts about recruitment and financial constraints. In their third year in the league, the team clinched the ACAC conference title, showcasing an impressive performance record. Looking ahead, the Rustlers aim to continue their success, now based at the new $101 million Cenovus Energy Hub.
While the team gears up for the upcoming season, Lakeland College is exploring avenues to incorporate community funding and innovative revenue streams into its sports programs. This strategic approach aims to ensure sustainability while leveraging the generosity of Lloydminster’s businesses and community to support athletic endeavors.
