A society status and gaming license will allow Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society to take the edge off of financial losses, PAJHS director Bob Cole said.
“We now have the tools to offset the usual losses experienced by many Junior A hockey franchises,” Cole said. “Especially those operating in smaller market areas or highly competitive markets.”
Prince George, Trail, Merritt and Powell River operate in similar markets, Cole said.
“They all survive on lotteries for funding and the stability of volunteers, staff and coaching for their success,” he said.
“They’ve all been to the top and bottom of the standings with up and down cycles.”
The society’s next goal is to promote their $50,000 lottery, Cole said.
The first lottery is for a $50,000 grand prize with five early-bird draws of $1,000 each. There are only 999 tickets available, and the grand prize draw is on Jan. 4, he said.
A second draw and sportsmens dinner is slated for Feb. 28. The society expects to raise more than $30,000 from the event.
On the ice, the Bulldogs face Powell River this weekend.