HUSKIES LOOK TO CREATE A NEW IDENTITY & GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY

In an effort to prepare for the season and help to fund their program, the North High Huskies boys hockey team has taken their journey in a different direction... on a bicycle.

First year head coach Ryan Parker, formerly with Rice Lake, decided to kick off the 2014/2015 campaign with a unique blend of team bonding and giving back.  "We decided that we needed to do something different.  Something that would show these young men that it's not just about them, but it's about being a member of a larger community," said Parker.  That something will result in a nice donation to a local charity. 

The Huskies "Hunger Ride" will take place this Saturday, November 1st and will consist of a 25 mile bicycle ride for which each player has solicited donations and pledges from families, friends and local businesses.  "Like any team, we're always looking for ways to supplement our budget -  do some special things for the program.  What resulted was the idea that we could benefit a local food pantry, like Feed My People, and show these young men that giving back is part of their responsibility as a citizen," first year assistant Kevin Hickey added.

Proceeds of the fundraiser will be split between the team and Feed My People, in what the Huskies hope, will become an annual tradition of giving back.  "This is a great way to get our season started with an off-ice event we can take some pride in.  That's part of the culture we're trying to instill in this program," insisted Parker. 

They'll have their work cut out for them though, as the forecast for November ringing in that morning is sub-freezing to start.  "Not exactly great bike weather, but all of us coaches are riding as well.  If we're going to expect bigger things out of our kids in the classroom and on the ice, we as coaches have to be a part of that accountability too," Hickey said.

The Eau Claire North coaching staff also includes Matt Newton. The Huskies will drop the puck on the new season with their first practice November 10, with the first game slated for November 25 in Sparta.