Petes looking forward to puck drop
New in-game host, new pre-game videos, new giant Petes flag part of fan experience this season
After a summer of getting to know Peterborough, Madeline Rawson is looking forward to fully jumping into her role as co-ordinator, game operations and community events as the Peterborough Petes hit the ice for their home opener on Thursday.
The Hamilton native and graduate of Brock University’s sport management program has been spearheading community events since being hired in March and starting in May, experience she said helped her acclimate.
“A lot of the summer was about getting to know Peterborough,” she said.
Rawson’s primary goal is to enhance the fan experience during Petes games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, including through in-game entertainment.
As she describes it, she is responsible for everything not actually taking place in the game – such as fulfilling sponsorship requirements and taking care of the needs of groups.
New additions this year include a new Petes flag, the same 20-by-four-foot size of Canadian and American flags already used, Rawson said.
She is also looking forward to seeing the work of a videographer employed over the summer to create pre-game videos, as well as to work with new in-game host, Courtney Bell.
There’s also new sponsors and fun new prizes and promotional giveaways that will be held throughout the 2018-19 season.
Popular theme nights including Pink in the Rink, Saves for CF and Plaid Night will return while this year’s Faith Night will feature a speech by Humboldt Broncos chaplain Sean Brandow following the Nov. 22 game.
As part of alumni weekend, the team also expects to welcome back nearly the entire roster of the 1979 Memorial Cup champion Petes on Oct. 13.
Rawson will continue to lead the team’s community efforts and is working to revamp a program delivered in schools in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The focus is to have players direct and lead presentations on a topic familiar to them, rather than just being on hand to sign autographs, she explained.
Before joining the Petes, Rawson volunteered with the Niagara Ice Dogs and completed an internship with the Canadian Hockey League’s national events team. In that role, she worked on events including the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series, the 2018 NHL/CHL Top Prospects Game and the 100th Mastercard Memorial Cup Tour.
Rawson joined the Petes business operations department along with engagement co-ordinator Shelbi Kilcollins, who is tasked with strengthening alumni relations and connecting the team with student bodies in the city.
Rawson is most excited about Thursday’s puck drop, which she admits should bring her a minor sense of relief. She doesn’t plan on making any significant changes until October, when she feels less weight on her shoulders.
“I’m really looking forward to getting the first few games under my belt,” she said.
Rawson encourages fans to get in touch with her with any feedback or suggestions about anything from intermission activities to a song.
“I will take all of them,” she said.
NOTE: Madeline Rawson can be reached at mrawson@gopetesgo.com or 705-743-3681 ext. 264.