ESTEVAN — Audited financial statements and the election of a new executive were among the topics discussed at the Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins' annual general meeting Oct. 20.
The financial report showed the club had a deficit of $212,537 for a 13-month period ending May 31. The deficit the previous year was $127,144.
Revenues for the 2024-25 period were at $957,731, down from $1,047,273. The revenues were $329,230 for the 2024-25 regular season, $363,097 for corporate, $139,777 for fundraising and $129,627 for other.
Expenses over the same period were at $1,170,268, down slightly from $1,171,767. Regular season costs were at $710,104, corporate was $25,941, fundraising was $80,867, other was $97,005 and general expenses were $256,531.
The club had $10,544 in cash compared to $30,635 a year earlier, and accounts receivable were $32,022, down from $45,473.
The bank indebtedness was at $4,000, down from $40,000, but accounts payable were $232,987, compared to $165,890 the previous year.
President Riley Tetreault said the club knew its financial performnce was going to be poor because there were things they weren’t aware of a year or two ago that had to be corrected, but initiatives have been put in place to correct the problems.
“We’re still working through some built-up or past miscalculations in decision making,” he said. “And now we’re in a really good spot where our AP [accounts playable[ and AR [accounts receivable] are caught up, and we have a healthy cash flow and bank roll inside our accounts now.”
The club has been looking at issues such as equipment expenses and has been looking at other ways to balance the books. A shift to QuickBooks gives them a real-time look at finances.
“The board can have all the ideas in the world and preach a specific path forward, but when you have an individual like Drew [head coach/GM Drew Kocur] at the helm where he’s mirroring that same overall goal, it just works out really well," said Tetreault.
Naming rights with Eagle Sky Services, the team’s new yearbook, the fundraising crop that was introduced this season and other fundraising initiatives have been implemented and are starting to pay dividends, he said.
“All of those things are moving the right way. We definitely have to find a way to get some more people through the door, and our season tickets and our gate admission over the past three years have shown there’s more to be had, and the community’s left wanting a little bit.”
The club has also created a fundraising committee and is looking to do more for fans’ game-day experience.
Tetreault will be back for another year as the team’s president. Aaron Ludwig will be the governor, Lauren Larter is treasurer, and also on the board are Paul Carroll, Charles Wingert, Sheldon Beatty and Adam Shirley. Two spots are vacant.
Estevan Minor Hockey Association president Stephen Truman, Estevan city council liaison Dave Elliott and Estevan Innovex U18 AAA Bears liaison Garrett Lasko will sit in on board meetings.
Good ideas were brought forward during the meeting that they might not have thought of before, Tetreault said. Most of the critiques were matters that the board was already aware of, and tracked and resolved. Some things will be implemented and fixed.
“It’s always easier to have those meetings when the boys are buzzing and doing a lot of good things on the ice and off the ice in the community,” said Tetreault.
People at the meeting were very complimentary of how the team was playing with hard-working and entertaining hockey. The Bruins were on a five-game winning streak at the time. They then dropped two straight games against the Battlefords North Stars, a 7-5 decision on Oct. 24 and an 8-4 game the following night.
Estevan was down 2-0 and 3-1 in the first game, rallied to have a 5-4 lead at one point in the third, and then gave up three goals late. Carver Shingoose had his first SJHL goal for Estevan and Ewan Rennie added two goals. Colton Getzlaff and Ethan Andrews also scored.
Dylan Adams had 32 saves for Estevan.
Estevan and the Stars were tied at 4-4 in the second game, then the Stars pulled away. Cash Olson, Drew Beasley, Noah Asmundson and Rylan Williams scored for Estevan. Beasley’s goal was his first in the SJHL.
Brady Carr made 43 saves for the Bruins.
Adam Konowalchuk had three goals and an assist for the Stars.
Up next for the Bruins (7-5-2) will be a home and home with the league-leading Weyburn Red Wings. The two teams will meet Nov. 1 in Estevan at 7 p.m. and the following day in Weyburn.
