BILLET APPRECIATION NIGHT IN BRADFORD
(Bradford, ON, Feb 2, 2015)
It was an all-Bradford match-up at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Leisure Centre on February 1, when the GMHL Bradford Rattlers Jr. “A” team took on the GMHL Bradford Bulls. Both teams practice on Bradford ice, as part of Russell Hockey Enterprises.
It was also Appreciation Night, and a salute to the local families that have billet the Jr. A players from around the world, who come to Town to play in Russell Hockey Enterprises' developmental league.
In a salute to the families, Mayor Rob Keffer and Councillors Ron Orr, Gary Baynes and Peter Dykie Jr., participated in a ceremonial puck-drop at the start of the game.
It was an evening designed to “recognize a very important part of our organization – that is, our Billets, who open up their homes,” said Tanya Smoke, speaking to the many families in the audience. “This is a small way for the players to show some appreciation for everything you’ve done over the last year.”
Smoke, who has herself provided billeting for visiting players, is now on the Committee that encourages families to sign up and provide a home away from home for team members.
The hockey game itself was fast-paced and action-packed – and saw the Rattlers win, 4-0.
We would also like to thank the following for their donations to our gift bags:
Crabby Joes Bradford
Zehrs Bradford
The Flower Merchant
Steeped Tea Consultant-Nele Meuleman-Pathak
LesMar Respite elder Care & Mary Kay Consultant-Cynthia Breadner
Simple First Aid Training & Certification-Anita Horlings
Bradford Family Dentistry
Mrs. Clean Home Services
Presto Piano & Music
Thank you to all our billet families for giving a home away from home to our players!
