Outlaws Nation Lending a Helping Hand in North Iowa
November 10, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
Mason City (IA) Mission statements vary from junior hockey team to junior hockey team but the constant among them all is an emphasis on player development both on and off the ice. With most players away from home for the first time, playing for a junior team in a foreign town is an opportunity to open their eyes to new experiences. Thus, the mutually beneficial, objective of getting the players active in a variety of community events becomes a priority for nearly every team and the North Iowa Outlaws are no exception.
To many players, "volunteering" was something they did as part of a school group for extra credit, or it was a forced situation that didn't stick with them morally. Now being older, the opportunity to "give back" is something they understand more. For the players, it's a chance for them to get active and assist those who support them each weekend, while the team and organization receiving the help also get a benefit. It's the classic win-win.
Coming into this season, the Outlaws made it a priority to enhance the team's involvement in the community and take it to the next level. That included continuing partnerships from the team's previous three seasons, while forging new ones with service organizations and non-for-profit groups throughout a 50-mile radius of the North Iowa Ice Arena.
Just two months into the season, the Outlaws have already partnered with these following groups on projects and fundraising assistance;
Mason City Jaycees
Hampton Jaycees
Clear Lake Lions Pride Club
Mason City Noon Lions
United Way of North Iowa
North Central American Red Cross
Mason City Noon Kiwanis
Mason City Public Library
Clear Lake Public Library
2008 Memory Walk at Southbridge
Clear Lake Charlie Brown daycare
West town Charlie Brown After-School Program
NI Youth Center
American Cancer Society
"Many of these players grew up in a family where no one close to them volunteered, or was a part of a Lions Club or a Kiwanis Club, so this gives them that experience. They see how active these groups are and how much fun they have so when the time comes that they are offered a chance to join down the road they aren't simply scared off by the unknown" said Outlaws' Director of Communications Scott Montesano.
No organization with a valid request for volunteer assistance from the Outlaws is denied as the team sees the benefit to all parties involved and that does include the marketing potential the team receives.
"It obviously doesn't hurt when players are seen in the community helping a youth sporting event or playing with kids at an after-school program" added Montesano. "We get exposure, and let's not forget that the organization we are helping also gets additional publicity and extra hands to help out with projects."
Highlights so far include;
- Twice-weekly player reading sessions at the Mason City Public Library and an ongoing "Read and Score" Program in which kids who read three books receive a free ticket to the Outlaws' Dec. 5th game.
- Players assisted with officiating youth football skills events for the Mason City and Hampton Jaycees
- An emotional appearance at the 2008 Memory Walk at the Southbridge Mall
- Putting together a mini-golf event to raise money for the American Red Cross
The Outlaws are currently visiting the Mason City Charlie Brown after-school program each Wednesday afternoon, and are also putting on a weekly youth floor hockey league on Tuesday evenings at the Mason City YMCA.
Outlaws Lose in Overtime North Iowa dropped its lone game of the weekend, falling 4-3 in overtime to the Owatonna Express at the Ice Arena on Saturday night. Cory Thorson ripped a snapper from the right circle into the goal, sending the Outlaws' to their second consecutive home "non-win."
The loss spoiled an excellent for the Outlaws' Jack Paul (Minnetonka, MN) and Alex Carlson (Farmington, MN) who provided an offensive spark. Paul scored twice in the second, and Carlson added a goal in the third but the Outlaws came up one goal short.
North Iowa has only had two games go past regulation this season and each one has been against Owatonna, with a shootout loss on Oct. 10th predating Saturday's outcome.
Outlaws Last Week
Sat. Nov. 8 vs. Owatonna 3-4 OTL
Outlaws This Week
Fri. Nov. 14 @ Springfield 7:30pm
Sat. Nov. 15 @ Springfield 7:30pm
The North Iowa Outlaws 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 33nd year of operation. For more information, visit northiowaoutlaws.com or call (641) 424-5468.
Outlaws home games are played at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, IA. All games will be broadcasted on northiowaoutlaws.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.
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