As the Elora Rocks Hockey Club enters its 100th year, it now has an agreement with Centre Wellington for the payment of ice rental arrears.
Payment will be made over the course of 10 years.
On Aug. 28, council endorsed the agreement with the local hockey club.
Managing director of community services Brian Detzler explained the Elora Rocks Hockey Club has existed for 99 years and is poised to enter its 100th season.
Detzler said this community organization has a long history with many successes along the way.
“Recently the club has experienced some difficulties financially. This can be attributed to struggles not unfamiliar to many volunteer-driven organizations,” Detzler stated.
The club paid the township $1,500 on June 6, leaving an outstanding arrears balance of $14,600.
Detzler noted the business side of the operation has rested on the shoulders of a few key volunteers “who desperately desire the opportunity to get things back on track.”
In 2015-16 the Rocks suspended hockey operations, which proved to be a real hardship for the organization.
Detzler said organizers are committed to returning to the operation of the club in accordance with their constitution, which provides a sustainable model of operation.
Based on this commitment and recognizing recent hard times, the club asked the township to assist by entering an agreement for the payment of ice rental arrears from 2016-17.
“Based on this agreement the organizers are confident that given their refocused direction and actions they can sustain and eventually once again prosper as a successful community hockey club,” said Detzler.
He noted that in March 2010 an agreement to pay ice time arrears over a nine-year period was approved by council. The club followed through and met the commitment in a timely manner each year, he added.
“If the club had not experienced their recent difficulties in the [2015-16] season they would be in a better financial situation today.”
Detzler stated with the agreement in place, the team can carry on and celebrate what will be their 100th year as the Elora Rocks.
Richard Campbell of the Elora Rocks Hockey Club spoke on behalf of the board of directors. He pointed out he has only been with the Rocks for three years.
Before that Campbell was associated with the Fergus Devils.
“The Rocks have a great bunch of people,” he said, adding that in recent years, the team did not get enough players.
However, prior to that there were up to 90 people trying out for just a few positions.
There was a bit of a lull, “but now we have it all sorted out.”
He said a lot more fundraising is planned for this year, including a golf tournament, a ’50s/’60s dance, Halloween dance, euchre tournaments, Superbowl and Grey Cup events and an alumni game for the older players to celebrate the 100th year of the team.
In addition, there will be hockey pools and basket draws.
“We’re also going to have the players help out in the fundraising,” said Campbell.
Councillor Stephen Kitras offered congratulations on the team’s 100th anniversary.
Campbell said, “We’re hoping to get the fans back … the team is really starting to build now.”
He said the games and the team are going to be advertised more.
Campbell did not believe that approach was taken in the past, because with the regular players – “everyone knew about it.
“Hopefully we can get the word out to the community and get Fergus, Elora and everyone in on it to come out and see some nice hockey.”
Councillor Mary Lloyd asked whether the combined payments will present hardships.
Detzler said this was discussed with the team and is part of the reason behind the 10-year agreement.
Mayor Kelly Linton said, “It is exciting to have the Rocks with us for a lot longer.”
