Going Above and Beyond During Tough Times
By Kim Dunbar

In a down economy, the Worcester Sharks are stepping up and supporting their fans.

“We know it’s tough out there and a lot of people are hurting,” said Michael Mudd, Worcester Sharks Senior Vice President of Hockey and Business Administration. “This is about helping people and giving them an outlet to get out and enjoy some entertainment,” he added.

This season, the organization concocted several ticket deals, including $5 kids’ tickets on Sundays (complete with a coupon for a free Papa Gino’s pizza) and four free tickets on Wednesdays for individuals bearing proof of unemployment and a photo ID.

The team has received letters from fans thanking them for “going above and beyond the call of duty for a local team,” said Mudd.  “But we aren’t doing this for the recognition.  We are doing it to help and to make hockey fans.”

Also on Wednesdays: $1 hot dogs.  And on every game night: high entertainment value and exceptional hockey.

“This is a good product,” said Sharks Coach Roy Sommer, who earlier in the season became just the fourth coach in the AHL to win 400 games.  “Half of this team has spent time in the NHL already.   It’s the opportunity to see an NHL player for a reasonable price or free.”

Sharks defenseman Will Colbert understands that the current economy makes it harder for hockey fans to catch a game.  “It’s good to offer deals to promote the AHL and the brand of hockey we have here, which is really, really good,” he said.

“It’s always good to get fans in the building and the front office is doing a good job of offering deals to get them here,” said goaltender Alex Stalock.  “We are the only hockey team in town and we’re a fun team to watch.”

Stalock is one of many Sharks who is giving back to the fans in other ways.  In December, the Sharks honored the 10th anniversary of the Worcester Cold Storage fire that took the lives of six firefighters.  Stalock donned a special mask to honor the Worcester 6 which he autographed and auctioned to benefit the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the burn care unit at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Sommer believes community work is a good learning tool for his players.  On November 3rd, the coach and his team participated in the Sharks’ 2nd annual “Be a Leader” Community Service Day at the Elm Park Community School.  The group spent several hours making improvements to the interior and exterior of the school.

“The community supports us so we support them as much as we can,” said Sommer.

Community building might be the motivation behind the team’s ticket deals.  “These deals give everyone an opportunity to get to see and support the team,” said Sommer.  “It’s hard taking a family to something that doesn’t cost a lot these days.  If you can find a deal, take it, you’d do it [at the grocery store],” he added.

Not even the grocery store has $1 hot dogs.

For more information, visit www.sharksahl.com.