SEA DOGS GIVING BACK

Jason Cameron leads Sea Dogs in community spirit during season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2013,

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs were busy in the community this year, giving back the fans that supported them in a transition year. The visits ranged from school readings and a D.A.R.E. Graduation ceremony, to assisting local minor hockey teams in practice and more.

"The community is the biggest building block of any sports team," says Wayne Long, President of the Saint John Sea Dogs. "Our community has been a solid building block for the organization and our players recognize the importance of the community."

Not to be forgotten, Fleaburn also had his fair share of requests, and the friendly dog had no trouble getting his paws into as much as he could. With over 20 appearances in schools or at fairs and festivals, Fleaburn works as hard as any of the Sea Dogs to ensure our fans know their importance to the organization.

This year's king of community spirit was Jason Cameron, evidenced by his Scotiabank Community Service Award win at the 2013 edition of the Sea Dogs Awards Banquet. Cameron dedicated countless hours in giving back to the fans.

"It's a great feeling, getting out into the community and giving back to the people that have given us so much support over the years," says the veteran Sea Dogs forward.

Cameron took part in everything from readings with kids and autograph sessions, to wellness events and medal presentations.

"It is one of our top priorities to give back to this great region and the players take it upon themselves to give back and donate countless hours to various hockey and non-hockey related initiatives throughout the city," says Long.

As part of an initiative with the local Scotiabank branch on King Street, the Sea Dogs partake in several minor hockey practices as guest coaches and assistants. The Sea Dogs teach the kids drills that add fundamental skills to their game.

Not to be outdone by the players, Mike Kelly got in on the community action by speaking on teamwork at the Saint John Energy Annual General Meeting.

"Mike Kelly's presentation at our annual general meeting was a hit with our employees," says Gordon Jennings, Manager of Human Resources at Saint John Energy. "In fact, it received rave reviews on our evaluation surveys.  Mike was very personable in his approach and his passion for the sport and the kids who play it was evident. Mike was informative but also very funny and the parallels between managing a championship hockey team and a best in class business was not lost on our audience."

Aug. 29, 2013 - Saint John Airport Air Show

Sept. 23, 2013 - Big Bike Family Day
Oct. 23, 2013 - Literacy Night at Hampton Elementary
Nov. 14, 2013 - Shannex Visit, Quispamsis
Nov. 14, 2013 - McDonald's Autograph signing
Nov. 21, 2013 - Marks Work Warehouse
Nov. 21, 2013 - Quispamsis Tree Lighting; Town of Quispmasis

Dec. 2, 2013 - Sea Pups Skate, brought to you by Subway
Dec. 5, 2013 - Saint John the Baptist King Edward School breakfast sponsored by Irving Oil
Dec. 15, 2013 - Pictures with Santa Claus in Brunswick Square
Dec. 31, 2013 - Boardwalk Countdown to the New Year

- - Second Half - -

Jan. 9, 2013 - Minor Hockey Practice 8pm RNS (Cameron & Duda)

Jan. 15, 2013 - McDonald's East Saint John
Jan. 20, 2013 - Season Ticket Holder Skate
Jan. 22, 2013 - Warm-up to Winterfest
Jan. 27,2013 - Tim Hortons Jamboree with 750+ Timbits and six Sea Dogs
Jan. 27, 2013 - Warm-up to Winterfest

Jan. 27, 2013 - Autograph session at Home Depot

Feb. 3, 2013 - Pavilion Cup
Feb. 10, 2013 - Sea Pups Dressing Room Tour
April 13 & 14, 2013 - Valley Expo

April 11, 2013 - Mike Kelly as guest speaker at the Saint John Energy AGM

Not included in this list are events that players volunteer for outside of team hours. Several players donate countless hours outside of team-sanctioned events with billet brothers and sisters and friends in an incredible showing of community spirit and leadership.