The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team, playing out of the ACAC, is amped about its recent sponsorship from Apex Automation. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
It was an exciting day for the Lakeland College Rustlers female hockey team as they welcomed this year’s title sponsor to the roster.
Apex Automation has officially stepped up to sponsor this year’s team to carry on the legacy of last year’s sponsor, Kings Energy Group.
“It’s a big day for our hockey team and Lakeland College,” said head coach Morgan Mann.
“Really excited. I’ve known Aaron Berlinic with Apex a long time through my years of coaching in Lloydminster league hockey; Aaron was a supporter from the beginning and some of our players that were a part of those teams are still here today,” said Mann.
Berlinic, who is Apex Automation’s chief technology officer, explained the company saw great potential through this sponsorship opportunity.
“Community is a big thing for us, and being able to give back to the community turns Apex Automation into something even bigger and more special in the community,” said Berlinic.
“We got involved with the girls when they played for the Steelers seven or eight years ago. We did small sponsorships back then, that’s all we could afford, and it was kinda special to see them grow into the women they are now, who are playing college hockey.”
Now in their second season playing out of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference, Mann explained he’s got some big goals this year.
“This time last year, our pre-season record was 0-7 and right now we are 6-1,” said Mann.
“We ended up having a .500 season last year and felt really good about our year. We have an excellent core of people, and good hockey players, but even more importantly, we have really strong characters.
“I’m excited to see where life takes these young people.”
For second-year left winger, Paris Appel, the sponsorship was greatly appreciated.
“It’s pretty exciting; we really rely on a major sponsor, and to have a major company step up and do something like that for us is something we’re super grateful for,” she said.
“Words can’t really describe how we feel about that, and it’s awesome to have people who are willing to do something like that for a hockey team.”
Appel explained Rustlers fans can look forward to watching a team that works hard and is always trying to get the puck in the back of the net.
“We work well together,” she said.
“So far we’ve had some great chemistry and the games we’ve played together have been awesome.”
The Rustlers are at the University of Saskatchewan this Saturday for a 5 p.m. game before playing the U18 Team Sask squad on Sunday.
