Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter to the fans at the hockey game between the Princeton Posse and the Sicamous Eagles.
Last week was National Mental Health Day. Your team was beating our team soundly, but many fans, especially those coming from the beverage gardens, thought it was OK to yell and berate players on the opposing teams.
I am 73 years old. I grew up with hockey. I understand rivalry, but this behaviour was malicious and mean. When people are at these hockey events and alcohol is involved, filters dissolve quickly and the bullying begins.
The players in this league are paying to play. They are paying for their own equipment and billeting. Many of these players are hundreds of miles from home and families. They have dreams and aspirations of maybe getting a scholarship for university, or even playing in the WHL or NHL one day. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
Most of you have children or grandchildren the same ages of these young men.
Bullying is never okay, for whatever reason. Please look in the mirror before you attend your next hockey game and ask yourself if you are behaving as a role model for the next generation, or are you going to behave like a backyard bully.
I hope you will start acting with kindness and compassion as it’s what our world needs now,
More than ever. Hockey is our national sport. Let’s show pride in our young male and female players. Lead by example.
Beverly Burry
Summerland
