By Derek Holtom
MJHL Web Correspondent
MJHL Web Correspondent
The Waywayseecappo Wolverines are entering the 2018-19 season with a more complete staff than a year ago, and that includes their new director of marketing Erik Swar.
A Winnipeg native, Swar played in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League. He later started working in the radio industry, making him perfect candidate to join the Wolverines’ organization.
“I reached out to Taylor (Harnett, the team’s head coach and general manager) about getting involved with the organization,” said Swar. “And coming from radio, I had some experience in communications, and doing work with the Estevan Bruins and Flin Flon Bombers of the SJHL.
“I also played some hockey so I have a good idea how things go, and I’ve been looking to get into operations for a while, and after a second meeting I sealed up the position.”
Starting in late July, Swar says he’s hit the ground running, working on helping the team create a bigger presence both online and within the community.
“I take care of all the social media, and all the community events we’ll have the players attending,” he said. “That’s one thing that’s very important, for the guys to have a big impact not only in the Waywayseecappo community, but also in Russell, Rossburn, Binscarth, Foxwarren, and even as far as Shoal Lake and Birtle.
“We want to get these guys as involved in the community as possible,” he added. “I also am working on bringing in sponsorships, and looking for partners who want to be part of the Wolverines’ season.”
Swar says sponsors of the team should expect a return on that investment, saying the team wants to ‘return the favour’ in any way they can.
The newly-hired director adds he is also hard at work at making this season – the team’s 20th – as memorable as possible. Fans should expect several events to mark the calendar this season.
“We’re working on getting an alumni association set up, and we are working on an alumni weekend,” said Swar. “We want the players to play the alumni, and we are working on getting throwback jerseys from the first season. It’s also Neepawa’s 30th season and Swan Valley’s 20th, so we want to get retro nights set up when those teams come to town.”
The team will also unveil new regular jerseys, and a logo to commemorate this 20th season. Those will be unveiled on Facebook live, so check their page for more information.
Printed with permission of the Swan Valley Star and Times
