The 24th season of Green Bay Gamblers hockey came to close this past Tuesday, as the team fell to the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the opening round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Despite the early exit, team accomplished a great deal on the ice. Positives include securing the ninth winning season in the last 10 years and 20 players receiving NCAA Division 1 scholarships.
Support the Gamblers received from the communities in Northeast Wisconsin also stayed strong in 2017-2018. For a 10th straight season, team eclipsed the 100,000 mark in single-season attendance. Gamblers ranked second in the 17-team USHL in attendance, averaging 3,419 fans per game (102,556).
Gamblers had many of the largest crowds in all of junior hockey in North America. Top 5 largest Gambler crowds:
February 24 7,757 (Teddy Bear Toss)
February 10 7,226 (Wiener Dog Race)
January 20 6,722 (Dash for Cash)
March 3 5,180 (Heavy Metal Night)
March 17 5,051 (American Heart Association)
Team also continued its commitment to giving back to the community. Gamblers gave generously to the American Heart Association, local chapter of Disabled American Veterans, area elementary and middle schools, FFA, stroke awareness and youth hockey. Through specialty games, donations and in-game 50/50 raffle, Gamblers donated $104,623.
Fans and sponsors also played a major role, as they donated the following items at select games:
*1,500 Pairs of Mittens/Gloves – Donated to area schools in Green Bay & Appleton
*7,600 Stuffed Animals – Donated to the multiple Aurora BayCare facilities across Northeast Wisconsin and charities/organizations that focus on the family.
*Pet Supplies – Donated to the Happily Ever Animal Sanctuary
*Baby Products – Donated to the House of Hope, shelter for homeless, pregnant, parenting women between the ages of 18 – 24 and their children.
Upcoming events for the Gamblers include the 2018 USHL Draft, May 7 & 8. Summer tryout camp at the Resch Center is June 10 -14.
