Estevan’s new midget AAA hockey club has taken another step forward as it prepares for its inaugural season this fall.
The team announced its title sponsor Monday at Affinity Place. They will be known as the Eclipse Downhole Solutions Estevan Bears, as part of a three-year naming rights purchase involving the Bears and Eclipse, a local oilfield company that has operations in Saskatchewan and out of province.
Representatives of Eclipse, the Bears, the Estevan Minor Hockey Association and the City of Estevan were on hand for the announcement. The club also unveilled their home and away jerseys for the 2020-21 season.
Nathan Jones, who is the owner of Eclipse Downhole Solutions, said they have been involved in the community since they opened 12 years ago, and they have been particularly supportive of youth sports.
“There’s always a lot of kids who can’t play, so given the opportunity, I try to help kids who can’t play, play,” said Jones.
He said it took about two hours for him to decide to back the team.
Bears president Chad Farr said this was an important announcement for the organization as they continue to look for sponsors for the upcoming season.
This week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
