CHIPMAN RISES TO THE CHALLENGE

When he learned the loss of two home Maritime Junior A Hockey League games this year was going to hurt the team’s finances, Amherst Ramblers captain Adam Chipman decided to do something about it.
Chipman, playing his final season in the bordertown, went to the executive and offered to help raise some funds for the club and will be going around the community starting next week selling 50-50 tickets at town businesses.
“It’s something I felt I had to do as captain,” said Chipman. “I wanted to help out so I talked to George and he suggested selling 50-50 tickets around town.”
The rugged forward has been a fan favourite from the time he joined the club out of the Valley Wildcats major midgets organization three years ago, following in the footsteps of his brother Ryan, the captain of the club that won the Bent Division championship four years ago.
“This is going to be my last season in Amherst and I want to make the most of it and help out in any way I can,” said Chipman.
“If I can help the team raise a few dollars, it’s the least I can do.”
As team president, George Baker admitted to being impressed when the team captain came forward to offer his support.
“It really says a lot about the character of this young man,” Baker said.
From a 28-game home schedule two seasons ago to 26 last year, the team saw its schedule reduced again this year to 24. With home gates being the bread and butter of the club’s finances, losing those games has the potential to cost several thousand dollars in lost revenue. Coupled with a difficult time finding sponsorship because of the recession, it had the potential to be a perfect storm of sorts for the club that has taken pride in being successful despite the lack of an owner with deep pockets.
Chipman will be out and about in the downtown area and along South Albion Street on Wednesdays selling tickets and he’s also hoping to get out to businesses in the industrial park as well.
Baker said it’s important for people to know they don’t have to be in attendance at Rambler home games to win the 50-50 draw and the winnings will be delivered to them at the first opportunity.
The team also has a number of other fundraisers going on including a draw for a 42-inch television and Xbox along with a supper, auction and dance at the Amherst Lions Club on Nov. 20 featuring the Steve Butler Show.
The club is also selling tickets on its $100 draw.

dcole@amherstdaily.com