Strong Turnout at First Annual General Meeting Signals Community Excitement for Clinton Radars’ Return

A return of Junior C hockey to Clinton is already generating strong community interest, following a well-attended annual general meeting held on January 14 at Libro Hall.

According to Ryan Olmstead, president of the Junior C hockey club, the meeting went well, and it was exciting to see the amount of people show up.

“I believe there were over 50 people in attendance, which was great to see,” said Olmstead.

“It really showed the excitement in the community to bring Junior C hockey back to Clinton.”

With the name change from Goderich Junior Flyers to Clinton Radars, a familiar hockey identity has been revived.

The decision to revive the name was rooted in the team’s historic success and deep community ties.

“As an executive, we felt it was a great idea to revive the name,” Olmstead added.

“The senior Radars hockey club was extremely successful and had great community support over the years they were playing.”

Olmstead explained that discussions were held with Gord Lavis and representatives from Radar Auto Parts to continue that tradition.

According to Olmstead, Lavis and Radar Auto Parts have stepped up to be the title sponsor of the new Junior C hockey club and will revive the name.

Work is already underway on the team’s visual identity.

“Over the next few weeks, we’re working with a graphic artist and some jersey manufacturers to come up with some new and exciting logos for the team,” he added.

“Our hope is to shortlist three or four logos, put them on our social media pages, and get the community’s input on what the new team will actually look like.”

While the club remains in its early stages, Olmstead said the level of community support has already been encouraging.

The organisation hasn’t been in a position yet to proactively reach out to potential sponsors or identify fundraising events because the focus remains on setting up the executive.

Olmstead noted that the previous senior Radars executive has already made a significant financial contribution, along with several additional sponsors who will be announced later.

“To better answer the question about sustainability, the hockey club will be 100 per cent not-for-profit,” Olmstead explained.

“We will rely on community partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising goals, which will be a huge part of our overall operational budget.”

Olmstead emphasized that the Radars’ role in Clinton will extend well beyond game nights.

The club will get involved in the community and attend special events like the Santa Claus parade, Remembrance Day ceremonies, and Canada Day celebrations.

The organisation also hopes to build strong connections with local schools and minor hockey programs.

“Having our players attend school events or help with minor hockey development will show that our players and staff are committed to the community and want to give back to the game they still enjoy,” he commented.

There are early signs of economic and community impact, with the turnout at the AGM showing how the team could benefit the broader community, including local businesses.

Olmstead believes the hockey club doesn’t exist without community involvement.

The AGM showed the excitement that’s already there. Executive positions have been filled and almost 20 people signed up to be part of the booster club.

These early results are proof the community wants to be involved and has already adopted this team.

To support growth the organisation has created key executive roles.

“We’re identified a director of sponsorship and a director of fundraising,” Olmstead said.

“Those positions will reach out to potential sponsors and fundraising partners and plan some really exciting fundraising events.”

Looking ahead, Olmstead said the executive’s priority is to build a hockey club Clinton can be proud of.

The executive members come with a great deal of experience and passion to make this team a success.

Olmstead explains that first and foremost, the executive members want to make this club a cornerstone in the community, a hockey club the community can be proud of.

On the ice, expectations are high.

“We understand how competitive and successful the former senior Radars hockey club was, and we want to be held to that standard,” Olmstead stressed.

“We want to put a product on the ice that’s exciting to watch, successful, and competes for a divisional championship right out of the gate.”

Fan experience will also be a priority.

“We want to ensure a positive fan experience every game,” Olmstead added.

“We want to create an environment that’s welcoming to all residents and a place where they can enjoy a night out and cheer on their hometown Clinton Radars.”