The RDC Kings hockey program is a step closer to being revived.
RDC officials announced this morning that they’re officially taking the first step toward submitting an application to the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference to rejoin the men’s hockey league, possibly in the 2013-14 season. The Kings dropped out of the league in 2004 because of financial restraints.
“We listened when you asked for a return of the Kings hockey team,” said RDC president and CEO Joel Ward in a news release prior to the 10 a.m. press conference. “Through the support of our community and the creation of the college’s Athletics Leadership Fund (ALF), the hockey Kings is just one example of RDC’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for athletics where our student-athletes can continue to participate and deliver on their tradition of excellence in sport.”
The ALF, or Athletics Sustainability Fund, was announced earlier this year as part of RDC’s long-term development strategy. The fund augments base budget dollars invested by the college in athletics and serves as a community investment to ensure sustainability in RDC athletics.
Funds raised will support the Kings hockey, if their application is accepted by the ACAC, as well as existing RDC teams.
RDC has 175 student-athletes competing in 11 sports.
“Through the ALF we’re excited about the future growth for RDC athletics, such as Kings hockey,” said athletic director Keith Hansen. “We’re hopeful that the ACAC reviews our application and recognizes what this new RDC team can contribute to the league, and what opportunities would exist for our student-athletes to hone their skills and compete in a vibrant league.”
Deadline for the application to the league is Nov. 15.