​Dar-Lyn Pools becomes major sponsor of Kincardine Bulldogs

The Kincardine Bulldogs executive is thrilled to announce that Dar-Lyn Pools and Spas of Kincardine is the new major sponsor of the team which is part of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL)’s Pollock Division.

“Lynda and Harold Maurer, who own Dar-Lyn Pools and Jean’s Family Restaurant, have been life-long supporters of the Bulldogs, as well as minor sports in Kincardine,” said Dave Patterson, president of the hockey club.

He said the Maurers’ involvement in the Bulldogs dates back to the club’s inception when Harold worked with the executive committee to bring junior hockey back to the Kincardine area. He also served on the executive for the team’s inaugural season in 1994-95.

“Lynda and Harold have been huge supporters of local sports in Kincardine and the surrounding area for more than 60 years,” said Patterson. “Their countless hours and dedication to young athletes and grassroots sports organizations in Kincardine is well-known throughout the area.

“Their businesses have sponsored youth sports dating back to the 1970s. They have also supported junior and intermediate hockey in the municipality since Harold was general manager of the original Kincardine Bulldogs intermediate team back in the 1960s.”

Darren Maurer, a member of the Bulldogs executive, said his parents have lived, breathed and loved the Bulldogs hockey club since it returned to Kincardine. “Howie (Harold) has often said that he would like to be the major sponsor one day, so this is really exciting for both of them.”

As he and Lynda put on team sweaters for a photo, Saturday afternoon at Jean’s, Harold smiled and said, “You know I’ve always wanted to do this. I’m thrilled to sponsor Bulldogs hockey in Kincardine.”

Patterson said that Fairmount Security continues to sponsor the Bulldogs.

Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the PJHL hockey season has been delayed, said Mike Hackett, assistant general manager of the Bulldogs.

“The PJHL formed a COVID-19 committee back in the summer in order to plan for the upcoming season,” he said. “Our potential start dates included Dec. 1, which we now acknowledge isn’t possible, so the potential start to the season has now been pushed to Jan. 1, 2021. However, with the current environment of increasing cases, that may very well be in jeopardy.”

He said the PJHL spans the province, from Amherstburg to Napanee, and in many areas, teams still haven’t been able to secure ice or even access a facility yet.

“There are protocols in place at the moment for us to ‘bubble’ with another team in the Grey Bruce Health Unit region (in our case, Walkerton or Hanover) and play some modified five-on-five games that would include reduced players, two shortened periods and penalty shots taking the place of penalties,” said Hackett. “We are currently exploring these options, but at the end of the day, we have to operate within the rules laid out by the Ontario Hockey Federation, the health unit and the Municipality of Kincardine.” 
 
Hackett said that despite the many uncertainties, the Bulldogs organization has still forged ahead and put together an exciting roster with a mix of returning veterans and lots of young, local talent.

“The players are on the ice one to two times per week following the rules laid out by the Davidson Centre, but we acknowledge that things are very fluid at the moment with restrictions seeming to return with the increased case-load,” he said. “Ultimately, the safety of our players, staff and their families are our number one priority and we may have to adjust our activities as such.”



Dave Patterson (left), president of the Kincardine Bulldogs hockey club, is joined by Harold and Lynda Maurer of Dar-Lyn Pools and Spas of Kincardine, the new major sponsor of the Bulldogs, as well as player Bryce McFadden, general manager Warren Beisel, and assistant general manager Mike Hackett, Saturday afternoon at Jean’s Family Restaurant