Editor:

I am not a representative of the Merritt Centennials Hockey Club or a member of the board of directors but am a passionate supporter of the hockey club as a volunteer. I am well aware of the financial situation this club has been in its entire history. Just as it seems the club is about to slip away a white knight shows up and saves the day. However, as I look around the community I do not see any more white knights. The club has to make it on its own revenue or it will have to be sold, never to return because we would not meet the BCHL standards for rink size.

One of the areas that had to be addressed was the punch pass. In the fall, people would not attend games and then when the playoff races in January and February the rink would be full but our revenues would be disastrous because people would bring people in on their punch pass. The team is not sustainable with this system. The team sought out a new ticket system to address this issue.

I understand that some people may be upset by this approach but in my mind it is necessary. This system is new to everyone and will take some time to iron out the bugs. Most people have been supporting of the change but there are a few who have been downright rude in dealing with our cashiers. Our cashiers are volunteers who contribute many hours of service so that the Centennials can exist. They do not need this mean-spirited behaviour. They do not need to be stopped on the street or in the stores and insulted.

If you do not like the system that is your choice but don’t be a boor. Instead find out how you can improve your experience so that you don’t have to wait in line. You can purchase tickets online and save $2.00 per ticket in the process. You can have them show up on your cell phone or in your e-mail before you leave for the arena. With your prepaid ticket you just walk up to the door, have your ticket scanned and you’re in — no waiting.

I hope that those who have not behaved well to our volunteers will take the time out to apologize.

Tom Reynolds,

Merritt