Wasilla Hockey Team Gun and Outdoor Show Supports Players, Families Throughout the Year

The 41st Annual Wasilla Warrior Hockey Gun and Outdoor Show brought out huge crowds last weekend as players, families, team staff and board members efforts made the event successful and enjoyable for all. The fundraiser helps the hockey teams cover ice fees, equipment, transportation and lodging when traveling to play.

New and used firearms covered the tables in the commons area, the gym floor, and the upper track at Wasilla High School, while a steady flow of community members inspected knives and artwork, chatted with vendors, and sampled food items. The camaraderie among friends and other outdoor enthusiasts could be felt throughout the building.

Teammates Elijah Kelley, Elijah Barcelona and Hunter Altenberger sold 50-50 Split the Pot raffle tickets on the gym floor Saturday morning. All three expressed how much of a positive impact the proceeds from the show has on their season.

Kelley spoke of the equipment that the team is able to get because of the show, and Barcelona talked about being able to stay in hotels when playing away from home and having comfortable transportation to access those away games. “Instead of sleeping on gym floors, we have hotels and nice buses instead of school buses.”

They also said how much they enjoyed working the show every year and wanted to share that excitement with others in the future. “I would recommend coming,” Altenberger said. “It’s a fun thing to do.”

“And it’s supporting a good cause,” Barcelona added.

Vendor Coordinator Kendra Johnson was happy to bring on new vendors that were interested in being a part of this year’s show. Tables are already being reserved for next year and she looks forward to seeing those vendors come back year after year.

Financing for competitive team sports like hockey can place stress on families. Johnson said that this show can really have an impact on kids being able to have fun, be successful and be a part of the Warrior Hockey Team. And working the show gives the players accountability for the funds they will use.

“It relieves the stress of the payment, the higher fees on the families,” Johnson said. “But this also gives the kids ownership and pride in doing it for their team and for them.”

Treasurer Georgia Pfile shared similar sentiments, saying: “It allows us to keep our registration fee down so that it’s not as burdensome,” he said. “We don’t have to charge the parents for ice bills. It allows us to do a little bit extra things for our kids…when they travel to Fairbanks or the Kenai Peninsula.”

“It’s a nice way to bring the community together to support the hockey team,” Pfile said. “It feels wholesome.”