The Lloydminster Bobcats say while they saw a financial surplus in the last year, some challenges remain in the coming year.
The team held their annual general meeting on Monday, where the unveiled a financial surplus over the 2019-2020 season of $71,000. This marks a $132,000 difference from the 2018-19 season, which saw a $61,000 loss. General Manager and Head Coach of the Lloydminster Bobcats Nigel Dube says that while normally this would be re-invested in needs for the team, they are using the surplus to overcome some financial challenges this year.
“Moving forward, you know, we’re in more of a survival mode right now, as many people are through the COVID [pandemic], and the way the economy is right now, but I think the benefit, the reality of it is being on the right side of the ground, and with that surplus, it gives us the opportunity to get through this.”
With hockey operations and training camps largely on hold over the last several months, the Bobcats worked to maintain their presence as community helpers in Lloydminster. The team held a Family Fun Run event in July, provided donations for both the Lloydminster Public and Catholic School Divisions, as well as the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation. They also supported local businesses using their social media and working with them as prize partners for the fun run.
Dube adds that with a year in the financial black, building on their players and much of their staff and volunteers coming back, they’ll be focused on building on the upward momentum of the team.
“Like anything, we’re going to have to work hard to create those corporate partnerships again when the season starts, and rely on fans to be able to do what we do every day, and our volunteers and all the great people that keep junior hockey around, including our billets.”
The Lloydminster Bobcats are currently preparing for 2020-21 season, which is still slated to start in September.