To the Editor,

I would like to thank Paul Wilson and The Haliburton Huskies for making the Minden arena their home. This appreciation also extends to the Minden council for helping to facilitate this exciting endeavour.

Junior teams that do not own their arenas typically do not make money. They do, however provide significant economic stimulus to the community in which they reside. Not only does this result in direct dollars to our community it also attracts visitors and awareness to our area. In the years to come, we will also see the benefit and support a local junior team provides to our minor hockey system. The Haliburton Huskies have spent over $180,000 so far on improvements to our arena! I believe anything we, as a community, can do to help this franchise be a success is hugely beneficial to all of us.

I would like to also thank Minden council for allowing alcohol sales, every effort that helps this team stay in our county is wonderful. As someone who has attended countless junior hockey games in numerous arenas, a two-hour afternoon hockey game is not a wild drunken frenzy, as some may imagine. I also take exception to the worry about our council assisting local businesses. I believe that should be the rule, not the exception.

I join everyone in wishing the best for this junior team and nothing but success in the years to come.

Andrew Hodgson
Minden