Bobcats Pledge to Raise $100,000 for Schaumberg Ice Arena Expansion
In their continuing effort to promote and grow the youth ice sports—including hockey and figure skating—in the Capital Region, the Bismarck Bobcats are pleased to commit to raise $100,000 toward Bismarck Parks & Recreation’s Schaumberg Ice Arena Expansion.
“It is and always has been part of our mission to be mentors for youth and to be a good partner in our community,” affirmed Bobcats team owner and CEO Thom Brigl. “Youth hockey and figure skating too have come a long way in the 16 years that I have witnessed it since being involved with the Bobcats. It has been fun to watch, particularly the 22 Bismarck youth players that have donned the Black and Gold in that time frame.
“Our entire organization is really proud to be part of this community helping to help grow hockey and figure skating and we recognize the positive impact of an extra sheet of ice for the kids. The Bismarck Hockey Boosters and Bismarck Figure Skating Club are doing a great job of getting kids interested in ice sports. Bismarck Parks & Recreation is also is making a very significant contribution to this project as well so we are confident it will get done soon.”
The funds for the Bobcats’ Schaumburg Arena partnership will come from a new annual event: the Meet the Bobcats Golf Shootout for Youth outing at Tom O’Leary Golf Course.
“Our ‘Shootout’ is a great opportunity for local golfers, businesspeople and sponsors to have a great day on the course,” added Brigl. “The day promises to be great fun as we welcome players from literally all over the world and have a little food and beverages with friends of hockey and figure skating in the area.”
With decades-deep roots in the local hockey community, the Bobcat coaching staff is excited to help contribute to the future of the ice community in the capital.
“Growing up here and now coaching the Bobcats, it is a really good feeling to know you have an influence on youth and contribute to their dreams of playing at the highest levels,” stated Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, who played youth hockey at Schaumburg and the VFW Sports Center. “Over the years, our players and staff have helped raise money for youth hockey but this project is special to us because of its long-term impact.”
“Right now, hockey is the fastest growing sport in America, so it’s very important to be able give kids access to as much ice as possible,” expressed former Bobcats assistant coach Jim Peluso, a former long-time head coach at Bismarck High School and renowned architect of the Bismarck youth hockey program. “Being able to add an entire new sheet in town will definitely help with the kids’ development. Giving back to the community has always been a key component of Bobcat Hockey, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”