Image from Alberta Government press conference

By Connor Gunn

“Jackpots For Junior Hockey” – new 50/50 to help junior and WHL clubs

Feb 22, 2021 | 11:53 AM

EDMONTON, AB– Very few Junior Hockey clubs and WHL teams have been bringing in revenue during the pandemic.

The Alberta Government, in partnership with the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL), is launching online 50/50 draws across the province to help these clubs.

The “Jackpots For Junior Hockey” initiative will share proceeds with Alberta’s five WHL teams and 15 AJHL teams through the draw.

50 per cent of the draw will go to the person who bought the ticket, and the other half will go to the club that puts on the draw, with a portion of that going to a local charity as well.

Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager of Business Operations, Terry Huisman, says the proceeds allocation will depend on how well the draws do.

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Huisman says he hopes people jump on board with the initiative to support your local WHL or AJHL team with funding.

Government officials say this is the best and safest way to publically help hockey teams with funding, while also helping the ticket winner.

“Protecting the lives and livelihoods of Albertans includes ensuring that junior hockey remains a social and economic driver in our province,” says Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women.

“Thanks to changes made to provincial policy, the WHL and AJHL can now raise funds online to support their operations directly from fans in their communities. We’re asking Albertans to provide a much-needed assist and purchase Jackpots For Junior Hockey 50/50 tickets,” adds Aheer.

“The WHL is excited for the launch of the Jackpots for Junior Hockey 50/50. As largely fan-dependent leagues, the future of many of our junior hockey teams is in jeopardy in Alberta. The Jackpots for Junior Hockey 50/50 will help to ensure our junior hockey teams remain a vital part of our Alberta communities. The WHL is pleased to enter into a partnership with the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and our longstanding WHL corporate partner RE/MAX of Western Canada to deliver this exciting new initiative to Albertans,” says Ron Robison, Commissioner of the WHL.

After getting approval through the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC), clubs can run these draws legally.

Adults will be able to buy tickets and the Jackpots For Junior Hockey 50/50 will run each weekend in March.

More details on where and how to buy tickets will be announced shortly.