Long term outlook improving for Neepawa Natives

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Published on Thursday, April 23, 2015

The Neepawa Natives executive board & members of the community gathered on Saturday, Apr. 18, to discuss the long term plans for the MJHL club. 

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Preparations for the 2015-2016 Manitoba Junior Hockey League season, both on and off the ice, are in full swing for the Neepawa Natives. The executive board for the team held a planning meeting on Saturday, Apr. 18, in the boardroom at the HyLife Foods building, just east of town. It provided an update on several topics, ranging from the financial state of the club to the current search for a new head coach.

Board member Trevor Lizotte just completed his first full year with the team and said they’re in a better situation now, than the club found itself facing at this same time in 2014.

“I’ve been on the board for a year and right now, it’s really exciting. I think from the hockey side, there are some positive things happening. We have a good player list built through our general manager Myles Cathcart. We’ve received many strong applications for the head coaching position and we are in the process of interviewing right now. The hockey side of things is moving in the right direction,” said Lizotte. “We’ve had some challenging years. To the casual observer, they would probably say ‘This doesn’t feel like we’re heading in the right direction.’ But I believe we are. It’s a process that requires patience. Finding the right person to step in as coach will be very important. That’s the person who will install that winning culture. It’s the same from a financial perspective. We’re in a better position than we were this time last year. We still have a long way to go but I think we’ve put down the foundation. We’re putting the right people in place to be able to build a structure for the future.”

From a fiscal standpoint, the Natives have made gradual gains. Basic numbers provided during the planning meeting indicated that the club will spend about $263,000 for the financial year, which ends on May. 31, while generating $265,000 in total revenue to cover those expenditures.  No additional debt was accumulated during the season. Board member Darian Major noted that the Natives work within one of the leanest budgets of any team associated in the MJHL. Major said that for next season, they are exploring several new revenue options.

“We’re looking at a few potentially new and interesting ideas. Possibly a new third jersey. Something a little bit different from our current brand but still familiar. A bit of a nod to the local teams from the 1940s and 50s. [We are] still finalizing some details for a third jersey sponsorship but if it moves forward, it should be very exciting,” said Major. “In addition, we’re examining a new systems for tickets. Perhaps a special builders club ticket package that offered some special extras to season ticket holders. We’re working with some members of the community on special fundraising efforts. A cabin build and potentially a crop project for the upcoming year. We’re taking a proactive approach to examining new earning streams for revenue.”

General manager Myles Cathcart said the on-ice preparations are underway. He revealed that 36 people have applied for the head-coaching position and that number has been worn down to several qualified individuals.

“It’s definitely a process. It doesn’t happen overnight,” said Cathcart. “From the coaching standpoint, we have about a half dozen individuals interviewed. We’re going through the process still and have a few more people that we’d still like to interview. We’re optimistic that we will make our selection by early May.”

Cathcart added that the upcoming MJHL draft is also quickly approaching and they’re ready to go.

“With our scouting staff and our director of player personnel Byron Billett, we have all the draft and all of that stuff under control. We’re in good shape that way. We’ve been out there, watching some players with great interest,” said Cathcart.

As the meeting drew to a close, Trevor Lizotte stressed that there is a positive feeling growing around the executive board table, but that they must work hard to maintain momentum.

“This year, one of the big focuses for the board is to drive season ticket revenues, drive up the value for our corporate sponsors and engage the community,” said Lizotte.“We’re continuing to look at new concepts to get people interested in supporting the team and maintaining their loyalty for years to come.”