MANDAN, ND – The Bismarck Bobcats took a break on Tuesday afternoon from their preparations for this weekend’s Central Division showdown with the resurgent Albert Lea Thunder to lend a hand to the renovation efforts at the Church of St. Joseph.
The Catholic church, located on 3rd Street in Mandan, is in the early stages of a million-dollar interior renovation that is scheduled to be completed by late April 2010.
The Bobcats did their part to help out by assisting the parish staff and other volunteers in carrying pews and other church furniture out of the chapel and basement in order to be restored at Dakota Church Furniture in Dickinson.
“We were really pleased to have the Bobcats in to help us start our renovation,” said Father Patrick Schumacher, pastor at the Church of St. Joseph. “By the time we were done, we were about four hours ahead of schedule, thanks largely to the Bobcat players and our other volunteers from around the community.”
In addition to the removal of the pews, the players also chipped in to help carry the altar and tabernacle from the chapel up to the St. Joseph School’s gymnasium, where services will continue for the Mandan church during the five-month renovation.
“We love getting out in the community and helping out however we can, whether it’s helping a church move pews or working with big national organizations,” said Bobcats forward Josh Munford, who was on hand to help out despite a shoulder injury that currently has him sidelined. “The Bismarck-Mandan community supports us completely, so it’s always gratifying to get out there and give back.
“You’re only as good on the ice as you are off the ice.”
A busy game-week schedule did not deter the Bobcats from pitching in, either.
“I know the players had practice and work-outs in the morning and many of them had to work their [off-ice] jobs in the evening,” added Father Schumacher, “so I know that some of the boys were a little bit tired, but everyone had a great attitude and really helped us achieve our goal of getting everything where it needed to be.
“Everyone at St. Joseph’s is very thankful for the efforts of the Bobcats—and all our volunteers.”
The Bobcats and Thunder open their two-game weekend series on Friday with a 7:30 PM contest at the Albert Lea Arena.
The game will be broadcast locally on the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, Super Talk 1270, KLXX-AM, and worldwide at BismarckBobcats.com via B2 Networks. The pre-game show starts at 7:00 PM.
You won\’t want to miss any of the games this season, so order your Season Tickets, Family Packs and Group Nights today by calling the Bobcat Hockey Office at 701-222-3300 or by e-mailing the office for more information at gobobcathockey@aol.com.
BOBCAT HOCKEY
IT’S ADDICTIVE!