Kewadin Casinos Indians Geared up for 2004-2005 Season
Published on April 6, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Soo Indians News Release
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan â "The Kewadin Casinos Indians Jr. A Hockey Team will participate in the North American Hockey League during the 2004 - 2005 season," Tribal Chairman Bernard Bouschor announced today to North American Hockey League (NAHL) Board of Governors.
This announcement supports a resolution passed in March 2004 by the Sault Tribe Board of Directors reversing Board action taken in January 2004 which would have made this season the Indians last. General Manager Joe Shawhan was pleased with the board decision. "I am very happy with the decision of the Tribal Board to support the Junior A team. This decision was best in all aspects," Shawhan said.
Immediately following the first board action in January that would have dissolved the team, Kewadin Casinos Indians team management as well as members from Kewadin Casinos management staff and the Chi Mukwa Recreational Facility began compiling information for the Board's review in hopes that they would be able to reverse the decision to disband the team. In mid March, federally audited financial reports and an impact analysis on Kewadin Casinos, Chi Mukwa, and the Sault community were presented. "I am thankful that we had the opportunity to give the Board all of the facts about the team so that they could make an informed decision," Shawhan said. The results of the Board presentation showed a positive cash flow impact from all presenters he added.
On March 16 2004, the Board voted during regular session to continue support for the team. As part of the vote, it was acknowledged that the team would be used to generate funds in the range of $50,000 to support Tribal Elders programs as well as youth recreational activities. A committee was established to look into ways of maximizing resources to generate the funds desired by the Board.
Establishing a committee of Sault Tribe members to serve in an advisory manner to the team will go a long way towards keeping the hockey team that offers so many things to Sault Ste. Marie according to Shawhan.
The Indians recently won the NAHL's North Division title and home ice advantage during the playoffs. The Indians began their Semi-Final Best-of-5-Game Playoff this past weekend by splitting the 2-game series versus the US Under-17 National Team. With the series tied 1-1, the Indians travel to Ann Arbor for Games #3 and #4 scheduled for this Thursday and Friday at 7:00 p.m. All games will broadcast on 1400AM Talk Radio. Game 5 will be played in the Soo on Saturday, April 10, 2004, if necessary.
For more information on the Kewadin Casinos Indians hockey team, please contact Bonnie Kaunisto at 906-635-RINK.
North American Hockey League Stories from April 6, 2004
- Bobcat Defenseman Leads Team in 3-0 Playoff Sweep - Bismarck Bobcats
- Indians Break Franchise Record for Wins with Playoff Victory - Soo Indians
- Kewadin Casinos Indians Geared up for 2004-2005 Season - Soo Indians
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