The Prince George Purple Devils need your help to put them over the top in a contest to win a trip to Vancouver.
If they get enough votes in the Hometown Hockey cheer contest, the kids who wear purple for the Devils atom house league hockey team will be guests of honour at the Vancouver Canucks-Edmonton Oilers game in Vancouver on April 11.
But time is running out. On-line voting is for one week only and the contest closes on Sunday.
The grand prize includes return flights and game tickets for 40 people as well as two nights accommodation in Vancouver. They will tour Rogers Centre, where the Canucks play, will get to meet and greet two NHL players for lunch and dinner, and the Purple Devils will get a chance to perform their cheer in the Canucks dressing room.
The Purple Devils were the youngest, most inexperienced team in the Prince George atom house division and that often showed in lopsided losses. But their team spirit never lagged. They didn't get down on themselves and instead went out out their way to stay positive and show great sportsmanship.
During a tournament in Valemount this season, after taking a severe beating on the scoreboard, the referee walked into the Devils dressing room and told the players he'd never see a happier bunch of kids on the ice while losing so convincingly. The official thanked the Devils for their infectious attitudes and that inspired them to win their final game of the tournament to avoid finishing in last place.
"The team spirit the team had this year was just unbelievable," said Aaron Conn, whose son Caleb plays as a forward for the Devils. "We'd be down 15-0 and the team would still be upbeat, giving 110 per cent and working as hard as they can."
The Purple Devils were loud and proud while winning the Cheer Like Never Before" contest last Saturday when the Rogers Hometown Hockey tour came to Prince George. The Devils were featured Wednesday night at CN Centre at the Cougars-Victoria Royals WHL playoff game and they've created a Facebook page to help create awareness of the need for people to vote for them. The creators of the Facebook page are also offering a $2,800 prize for one person who likes or shares the page to help increase voting for the Devils.
To vote for the Purple Devils, go to www.hometownhockey.com/cheer. Voting is limited to once per day for each internet protocol address.
