The Weyburn Red Wings held their Annual General Meeting last night and the hockey club has seen better days when it comes to the finances.

 

(Photo of the 2010/2011 Board of Directors of the Weyburn Red Wings- back row from left to right: Curtis Stepp, Scott Sabados, Ron Fellner, Jean Hobbs and Doyle Larson- front row from left to right:  Ken Ferguson, Sherri Cleasby, Jerry cugnet, Laurie Johnson and President Ryan Williams. Missing are Derek Madigan and Dave Ferris)

The club is reporting a net loss of $43,442 last season. Red Wing Club President Ryan Williams explains why the club lost money. "There is a few reasons, one round of playoffs is a big, big portion of that. Junior Hockey teams rely on playoffs to make their money and we didn't do that this year. Expenses were up considerably this year, some of our fundraiser's were down this year. In saying all this, not a good feeling to sit and announce this tonight but it gives us an opportunity to re-tool and do a better job and kick things off better for our 50th year."

Williams points to a positive when it comes to the club getting off on a good note for the 2010/2011 season. The club sold over 400 early bird season tickets, the best total in memory.

When it comes to the club performing this season in such a special year, Williams says there is some pressure. " I think the Weyburn Red Wings are one of the most storied hockey clubs in all of Canada. I think there is huge pressure on not only the board but the coaches as well to perform on and off the ice. I think we are up to the challenge. We will have some announcements in the very near future regarding some things and I think the public will be happy with what we've come up with."

The Wings start Training Camp September 3rd. Their first regular season game is September 18th in Yorkton while the home opener is October 7th against Estevan.

Weyburn will also host the Showcase from December 3rd-5th.