When the World Para Hockey Championship was awarded to Moose Jaw back at the end of March, one of the reasons Canada’s Most Notorious City was chosen was the regular success major events have had in the community.
A major part of that is an always willing and capable volunteer base that regularly shows up in droves any time something of the size and scope of an international tournament is held in the city.
That’s no different this time around, as despite not putting out a major call for volunteers immediately after the announcement, close to 100 people have already signed on to help out when the puck is dropped on May 28.
That has volunteer coordinator Heather Eby confident that there will be plenty of folks on hand to make sure the Para Hockey Worlds go off without a hitch.
“Everything is coming together on the volunteer side and it’s looking like things are going to be in really good shape,” said Eby, who added that a good number of spots were filled just through word of mouth and committee members getting folks in their social circles involved.
“This isn’t like the Scotties (hosted by Moose Jaw in 2020) where we needed 400 people, we’re going to need around 110 volunteers and we’re still short maybe 30 or so.”
There are a handful of areas that need the most support, beginning with off-ice officials, folks who can act as scorekeepers and timekeepers during the three games a day throughout the week.
The committee is also seeking volunteers to act as team hosts, who are the go-to people for each team from the time they arrive until the end of the tournament.
“They’d be involved in everything the team would need, like helping them be where they need to be, or if they need a dentist or anything like that,” Eby said. “The teams probably aren’t going to know Moose Jaw, so they just really need an ambassador in the community.”
Four of those positions are currently open.
Volunteer drivers are also needed throughout the week, as teams will need transportation from hotels to the Moose Jaw Events Centre and any other activities they take part in.
Anyone interested in helping out can send Eby a text at (306) 681-9412 or contact the Moose Jaw Events Centre and the process will be put in motion.
Action gets underway on Sunday, May 28, with the medal games taking place on Saturday, June 3. Be sure to follow www.hockeycanada.ca for more updates as the World Para Hockey Championship draws closer.
