THUNDER BAY — Play It Again Sports held a charity barbecue on Saturday, collaborating with Thunderwolves players to fundraise for the Special Olympics and to celebrate the wolves 25th year anniversary.
The barbecue was a chance to kick off the hockey season with food, prizes, games, and a chance to meet the Thunderwolves.
Play It Again Sports Owner Mike Fonso said Saturday was a busy day.
“We've got our launch of the new Bauer Vapor product for the 2025-2026 hockey season, and we're coupling it with bringing some Thunderwolves players together to celebrate the start of their 25th anniversary season since the team got going again.
“We've got a barbecue, we've got a whole pile of prizes to give away to kids, and the proceeds from the barbecue are all going to go to the Special Olympics Thunder Bay chapter, which is a great cause,” he said.
Fonso said the Special Olympics covers all of the sports, just like Play It Again Sports.
“We've got a little bit of everything for everyone, and it's great to bring all this stuff together and kick off the fall to a new season,” he said.
Most of the Thunderwolves hockey players do realize that they are an important part of the community, Fonso said.
“The Thunderwolves hockey team is part of the community of Thunder Bay, and I think that most of the players are looked up to by a lot of the younger athletes in the city, whether it's hockey or not.
“They do a lot of stuff within the community to let everyone know that they are the community's team. I think it's great to bring them into this and have the players involved when they have an opportunity to, since the season hasn't started yet.”
Carson Cherepak, goalie for the Thunderwolves, was happy to support the Special Olympics on Saturday.
“We get great support from our community, so any chance that we have to get back out and do what we can to support other ventures, we love to do that.
“We're just trying to give back to the community that takes such good care of us,” he said.
Cherepak said he’s excited for the upcoming season and thanked the community for its continued support.
“We wouldn't have been able to stick around for 25 years if we didn't have the support we have, so we'll be doing some things throughout the year.
“We're getting new jerseys this year for the 25th anniversary that we'll be wearing at home games. Come out and see them, check them out,” he said.
If you missed the barbecue and would like to donate to the Special Olympics, you can go to Play It Again Sports. They will be accepting donations over the next few days.
