The Estevan Westmoreland Coal Peewee AA Bruins turned their team fines into a community donation that will make a big difference to people in southeast Saskatchewan.

Players from last year’s team made a donation of $363 to Envision Counselling and Support Centre. The team was made up from many players from the Southeast, just as Envision has offices in four locations in the Southeast.

Throughout the course of the season last year, the players were fined for infractions such as forgetting their socks or missing a practice, and the total pool of funds was donated to Envision Counselling and Support Centre.

“We are so pleased to be the recipient of a donation from a hockey team made up of young men. This team chose a charity that works with families and youth, and tries to improve lives in our many rural communities in our region,” says Tania Andrist, Resource Development Coordinator.

Last year, the Westmoreland Coal Peewee AA Bruins drew players from locations such as Redvers, Manor, Bienfait, Carnduff, and Estevan, so the two groups share a footprint that spans all of Southeast Saskatchewan.

“When they made the donation, we were able to say a few words to the boys regarding Envision and what we’re about. They’re at the age where they’re starting to get into dating, so we talked a bit about healthy relationships and healthy choices.”

Andrist says the players are role models in their communities, and by making a donation to an organization like Envision, they’re showing an awareness of others who may be struggling with relationships or family crisis.

“We don’t usually think of hockey players getting in touch with their sensitive side, so it’s really great to see this kind of awareness at a young age,” Andrist says.