Answer the Door; It's the FM Jets
October 18, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) The next time there is a knock at the door; make sure to answer because it isn't necessarily a pushy sales person, local politician making a final plea for votes or even a sappy doe-eyed child who is quilting your family into buying cookies. It could very well members of the Fargo-Moorhead Jets Junior A Hockey team who have reached your front door-step.
Starting today, the FM Jets are kicking off their third annual Operation Hello campaign, a program that sends the team's players and interns door-to-door around various communities. Players and interns will be knocking on doors and talking with the homes' occupants as they pass on news of the team, answering questions and even signing autographs.
"The program has been a wonderful success for us each of the past two seasons on various levels" said Scott Montesano, the team's Director of Broadcasting/Media Relations. "It not only helps bring in more fans, but serves as a way for the players and staff to bond in a fun environment."
FM Jets' players and interns will be canvassing areas in West Fargo, Fargo, Moorhead and Dilworth three nights a week, until mid-November. Typically, the canvassing will take place in the early evening with no more visits occurring after 8:30pm. The goal is to visit roughly 2,000 homes, the same number as the past two seasons.
All homes visited will receive FM Jets' pocket schedules, along with promotional schedules. In addition, copies of the team's schedule poster will be handed out while supplies last.
"We aren't just dropping stuff off on the front porch and running. That's what kids do, and usually it involves a bag of dog poop on fire. No, our players and interns are going to introduce themselves and stay for as long as the residents' want," Montesano added.
Operation Hello started in the Fall of 2004 out of necessity more than anything else. "No one knew who this team was, where we played or even if there was ice at the Carlson Coliseum anymore" said Montesano. "Like any minor league team, our advertising budget was limited so I proposed we walk door-to-door and after discussing it we said it's a go."
During the first year, only players walked around and handed out free tickets. Last season, it was only the interns who patrolled communities giving away schedules.
"The goal of Operation Hello has changed a bit from the first year" said Director of Operations Steve Strasheim. "In that first year, it was more of a desperate plea for attention, where it's now about goodwill. Teams always talk about getting out to the community, but not everyone goes to bake sales, car shows and whatnot. Why make them come to us when we can go right to them and answer questions and about their hockey team."
The FM Jets are currently in a three-way tie for first place in the North American Hockey League's Central Division at 7-4-0. They are on the road on Friday and Saturday night against the North Iowa Outlaws in Mason City, IA. Face-off is 7:05pm both nights. This is the only weekend until Dec. 22-23 that the FM Jets don't have at least one home game.
The FM Jets Junior A Hockey Club is in its fourth season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 31st year of operation. For more information, visit fmjets.com or call (701) 235-2354.
Jets home games are played at the John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, ND. All games are broadcasted on Today's Hot New Country 103.9 THE TRUCK and audiosportsonline.net.
North American Hockey League Stories from October 18, 2006
- Lots on the line when Diggers visit Stars - Traverse City North Stars
- IceDiggers plan bus trip to Ann Arbor - Alpena IceDiggers
- Answer the Door; It's the FM Jets - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Johnson Named Player of the Week - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- U.S. National Under-17 Team Returns Home To Host The Mahoning Valley Phantoms - U.S. National Team
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