Earlier this offseason the Nipawin Junior Hawks held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) where Shayne Pickering was named the organization’s new president.
The long-time resident of the town has been watching the Hawks most of his life and has had a few roles within the team over the years starting as a stickboy when he was younger, a board member, billet, and most importantly, a fan. Pickering said being nominated as the president is a role he will take seriously and put his passion into.
“I just felt like it was time for a new voice, and I decided to put my name up. Luckily with the new board they thought it was a good idea. I am honoured and excited to lead the group,” Pickering said after the Hawks hosted their annual jersey sponsor luncheon Monday.
There are four returnees to the Hawks board, with several new people joining the executive ahead of the 2023/24 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) season. Pickering said once the season gets started the board will have a chance to review current fundraising ventures as well as new possibilities to generate revenue. He said the workload won’t change once the puck drops Friday.
“There is still lots of work, we have a lot of events coming up that we need to go over. Lots of learning to do, lots of discussions around what we should change, keep the same. I am looking forward to new events over the next couple years and some exciting hockey,” he said.
Leading up to Friday’s home, and season opener the players visited local schools to introduce themselves, the team will also have a meet and greet Wednesday evening at the Centennial Arena.
Food trucks, live music, and street hockey will be taking place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.