Pizza, donuts on menu for meet and greet
Tigers hang out with kids in Redcliff
It was cheat day for the Medicine Hat Tigers.
At the Redcliff Legion for a long-running meet and greet organized by the Lions Club, dozens of kids roamed the tables getting autographs or just chatting with the players.
Then came the pizza and donuts.
“I can’t speak for everybody because I live with my parents,” said Tigers defenceman Dylan MacPherson, who’s from Redcliff. “They’re pretty good about suppers and everything. But maybe once every two weeks I’ll have pizza on a road trip home. I rarely eat this type of food.
“It’s nice though, it’s a change up. You’re treating yourself a little bit too.”
It’s safe to say most of his teammates would have a similar answer.
Believe it or not, MacPherson doesn’t have any memories of being at the Tigers’ Lions Club event, which began some 30-or-so years ago according to Lions chairman Elliott Meier. For many years you had to basically have your name drawn to participate, and he never got chosen.
“It’s exciting, for us to go to them and meet them on their own turf instead of them coming to the rink... it’s nice to come here and meet the kids and have some pizza with them,” said the 20year-old.
While the hometown boy had the spotlight, most of the kids didn’t seem to have a preference who they spent time with. Some walked around with sticks and shirts to get signed, while others were happy with a slice of pizza and asking a couple questions.
“Especially in a smaller town, I think it means a lot to the kids,” said Tigers forward Tyler Preziuso, who remembers being excited to meet members of the Victoria Grizzlies junior A team when he was growing up. “It’s 100 per cent worth it.”Players are often called upon to participate in community events, and since they’re home for the next couple weeks (with four games at Canalta Centre in that span), Monday’s event was one of many on the calendar. They’ll do an annual skate in Ralston next week before Remembrance Day, a Big Brothers and Big Sisters skate, some stay in school presentations and floor hockey at local schools before their next road trip.
The kids seemed to enjoy it, excitedly jumping on stage for a group photo. The Lions Club has made sure it’s a regular event.
“All these kids look up to the Tigers,” said Meier, who’s been working with the Redcliff group for 22 years. “And some of these kids can’t get to the games. It’s a free night.”
But make no mistake, the players know Tuesday’s practice won’t be any easier with all the extra calories they enjoyed the night before.
“Shaun (Clouston, Tigers coach) will make sure of that,” laughed Preziuso.