The Cranbrook Bucks are getting ready to host the 13th family faith night for the 15th anniversary of the tradition starting.
The family faith night started in 2012 back when the Kootenay Ice were in town and the Bucks carried it on.
Team chaplain Kevin Ewasko says the only time it hasn’t happened was during COVID and before the Bucks became a team.
“We started this thing about 15 years ago, minus COVID and minus the year we didn’t have a team. It’s coming up again on Friday and we’re very excited about it,” he said.
“These young men are pretty phenomenal and very open about the pressures that go on.”
Bucks co-owner and president Nathan Lieuwen was the catalyst for the family faith night back when he was a goalie for the Ice.
“Nathan has a strong faith and there was an opportunity to interview him after the game. He was able to share his story and from there we were able to build on it,” Ewasko added.
“We’ve done different things over the years but the main component is to talk about the chapel program that I do with the guys.”
The family faith night will take place after the Bucks’ game against the Trail Smoke Eaters on Friday.
Ewasko explains what people can expect if they stick around after the game.
“On faith night we give a chance for players to share about how the chapel program or faith has interacted with their life or hockey world.”
He says fans will be able to get to know the players a little better instead of just seeing them as players.
“What I like about it is a lot of people don’t know these guys other than as hockey players. Their billets know them and some people in the community but what you get to see is a side of them that’s a little more open and honest about their life and faith,” he said.
“We have a ton of guys who come to chapel, between 18-20 guys on any given chapel.”
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. on Friday.
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