University of Windsor Lancers head out on the road to help others win

Mason Kohn and the Windsor Lancers are heading to Merritt, B.C. on the finish of the summer season to assist construct 5 properties for folks within the First Nations communities in Nicola Valley displaced by wildfires and floods final 12 months.

Kohn frolicked in B.C. for a job final summer season.

“I might at all times see helicopters coming in, dropping water throughout. There have been so many sources that have been being expunged and I believed ‘persons are nonetheless devastated by these occasions,’” mentioned the recently-named captain of the lads's hockey group.

Head coach Kevin Hamlin added, “There's nonetheless 600 folks in Merritt which might be outdoors their properties. You understand, Merritt's a reasonably small place. To assume that we'll assist just a bit bit, I believe will likely be essential.”

A contingent of 35 gamers, coaches and different college employees will head out over the last week of August. They will be joined by Unifor staff within the expert trades to assist with the construct.

“Folks will donate their time and they'll go there. We pays their bills and per diems after which their time is on their very own. They take trip time they usually go rebuild this,” mentioned Unifor Native 444 president Dave Cassidy after presenting Hamlin with a cheque for $50,000 to assist the reduction effort.

“I do know coach has at all times mentioned to us he simply does not wish to produce champions on the ice. He needs to supply champions off the ice and that was one thing crucial to us,” mentioned Cassidy.

As a part of the journey the Lancers will even supply a hockey academy to the youth of the group by way of a partnership with the Merritt Centennials Jr. hockey group.

As soon as they're off the ice gamers will then take part in considered one of three group outreach shows developed by the “Lancers.

The packages embody ’Lancers Towards Bullying,’ ‘Lancers Shutout Home Violence’ and ‘Skate Towards Hate.’

Hamlin feels these packages will likely be a part of the legacy they depart behind when their job is finished.

“We're leaving these there for the Merritt Centennials in order that they'll go within the colleges and do what we do right here,” he mentioned.

Khon likes how the journey is nicely rounded.

“We get to make use of our sport to have the ability to contribute to the group in many various methods,” he mentioned.