Steinbach Pistons giving back to the community that supports them each season

Some of the Steinbach Pistons are volunteering this season at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre where they are actively interacting with many people. 

During Thursday’s pancake breakfast, Steinbach Online caught up with goalie Dominik Wasik and asked what it was like to be spending some time at the centre. 

“It’s a special place to be,” says Wasik. “I've never volunteered or worked in any place like this. I think it's good for us to get out there and talk to someone in a different age group and hear their stories.” 

Centreman Daniel O'Neill recently joined the Pistons, coming from White Rock, British Columbia. He was also volunteering at the breakfast on Thursday. This volunteer opportunity, visiting with people in the many different programs has special meaning for him. 

“It’s really rewarding,” O’Neill says. “You can feel how much it impacts the people here and it just feels really good to come out here. I used to do the same sort of thing with my grandma because she was in a (personal care) home, and she was suffering from Alzheimer's. So, I would go out there and visit with her a lot and you could see how much of a difference it made. So, I'm just really happy to have the opportunity to do it here with these people.” 

Audrey Harder is the Executive Director at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre (PPALC). She says it is obvious to her that these young men have an important role at the centre, and are already making a big impact with each person they meet.

(left to right) Josh Nelson, Hunter Degelman, Travis Hensrud, and Daniel O'Neill make sure dirty dishes are quickly collected during the pancake breakfast at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre.

 Although this is the third year for Travis Hensrud with the Steinbach Pistons, the right winger says it is a different experience this season. 

His first two years with the club happened during the pandemic and that limited their ability to be involved in the community. 

The Thunder Bay native says it is great to be able to really experience the organization and the community. 

“Getting out in the community this year, you really see how much it really means to people about us getting out,” Hensrud says. “Even just talking to people and showing our faces in the community.” 

Hensrud says it is awesome to experience the support from everyone he meets. 

“It’s awesome to see and really how this organization is focused on getting out in the community, representing your team and just developing into great young men,” he says. 

Centreman Hunter Degleman is in his second year with the Pistons. He also appreciates the opportunity to volunteer at PPALC. 

"Getting to mingle with the older aged people is really awesome,” he says. “Hearing them talk and hearing how much they support us is really special to us.”

Josh Nelson with the Steinbach Pistons learns the ropes from Audrey Harder at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre. Nelson and a few of his teammates are getting comfortable volunteering at the centre.

 Defenseman Josh Nelson also feels the support for his team. Even though he just started volunteering at PPALC, he says the community support is awesome.  

"It’s good to have that community support,” he says. “And I think it’s important that we give back to the community as well.” 

During their volunteer shifts, these junior hockey players can be found either serving up coffee, helping with some of the programs, or even learning a few things on the pickleball court.