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I recently asked Peninsula Panthers co-owner and Governor Pete Zubersky to talk a little about the financial aspects of operating a Jr. B team. Here's what he had to say:
Question - Give me a 'ballpark' figure on what it costs to run the Panthers organization for a season.
Answer - It costs approx. 200k to run a team for one year. These costs include Coaching, Equipment, Ice, Transportation and Food, Printing including tickets, pocket schedule, programs, game sheets, etc. There are other costs but 200k is about where it costs per year. Of course, I believe in having the best of everything so if an owner wanted to cut corners he could.
Question - How does that figure compare to the BCHL (Jr. A) Organization?
Answer - Junior A probably costs in the ballpark of 450-600k, depending where the team is located and how good a program the owner decides to put on.
Question - What expense is the most surprising?
Answer - Ice is a big one, 25-30k, coaching as well. Equipment surprises people; I will spend 35k on equipment/jerseys before the puck drops. Bus and food costs on a trip to Cambell River [245km] alone are about $1,800.00 and to me this is the most surprising cost we encounter.
Question - Does a larger operating budget guarantee success?
Answer - Nothing guarantees success although hard work, proper coaching and money will give you the best chance. Obviously being at the rink, seeing players, getting them to want to be part of your program, and then signing them is a huge start. Next you need quality people running your on-ice program once you have quality players recruited. And now when you have some cash to throw at the program it all comes together. In no way does money guarantee success, it is just one component that makes a program work.
The Peninsula Panthers play in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL). To learn more about the team visit www.ppanthers.bc.ca
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