No good deed should go unrewarded.
There are community ticket initiatives for Prince George Cougars' fans that offer those making a positive impact in their community the opportunity to take in a game for free.
There's a brand new program called the Michael Fogolin Memorial to honour a former Prince George Cougar who tragically died in his sleep at the age of 17 during the 2003-04 Western Hockey League season.
Fogolin was known for his passion for hockey and his warm heart. His parents, Carol and Lee, will honour his memory by rewarding students who make a positive difference in their community. The Cougars organization will then provide additional tickets to allow the selected students to nominate a teacher who is a leader and an inspiration.
"We are honoured to support the Prince George Cougars in recognizing young people in the community for outstanding citizenship," Carol and Lee Fogolin said in a statement. "We strongly believe that young people are our future and that they should be recognized for their accomplishments."
Anyone wishing to nominate an elementary or secondary school student by writing a letter can submit it to info@pgcougars.com or mail or drop it off at the Cougars office at 102-2187 Ospika Blvd. South, Prince George, B.C., V2N 6Z1.
Another initiative with the same theme finds patients at the pediatric ward of the University Hospital of Northern B.C. able to enjoy Cougars hockey games at no charge. The Cougars hockey operations staff, along with IRL Supplies, have all chipped in to make it happen.
"Community involvement is a top priority for our organization from top to bottom," said Todd Harkins, Prince George Cougars general manager. "We care deeply about our fans, and if we can put a smile on a kid's face and make life more enjoyable for their family during a difficult time, then that's something that we hope to accomplish with this initiative."
Big Brothers and Big Sisters is also the lucky recipient of a free ticket initiative thanks to Jordan Ross, a Cougars forward, and his family, who have partnered with the Cougars to help send children and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters to enjoy Prince George Cougars games this season.
"Jordan is very lucky to be playing hockey at a high level, and we want to use that privilege and benefit to make a positive impact in the community," said Dean Ross, Jordan's father. "There are less fortunate people that deserve to have fun, and to enjoy a night out, and through this initiative we can pass out some good fortune to others in the City of Prince George."
To nominate somebody to receive tickets to an upcoming game, call the Cougars office at 250-561-0783 or send an e-mail to info@pgcougars.com.
