Arik Weersink looks to create a lasting impact in his final year at RDP

Red Deer, November 9, 2023 – A Red Deer Polytechnic student-athlete wants to leave a legacy after he graduates from the Kings Hockey program.

Goaltender Arik Weersink has been a member of the Kings Hockey team since the fall of 2018. Following the end of the 2023/2024 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season, Weersink will have completed his fifth and final year of eligibility as a student-athlete. As he completes the pre-optometry prerequisites at RDP, Weersink is preparing for the next step in his academic journey by applying to optometry school for 2024/2025.

In an effort to leave a lasting impact on a post-secondary school and a hockey program he has been a part of for many years, Weersink is donating a dollar for every save he makes during his final season to the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind (ASRAB).

Weersink has been volunteering with this organization for some time now as it combines two major passions of his: hockey and visual health.

"I've been fortunate enough to volunteer with this group and they have been extremely welcoming during the process. I have helped coach practices and referee some games. But I also have used my many years of goaltending experience by coaching their one goaltender which is quite neat."

ASRAB is a not-for-profit organization that provides sports and recreation opportunities for blind and partially sighted Albertans to promote physical and mental wellness. On top of hockey, they like to actively participate in a broad spectrum of sports and recreation programs. They do a wide range of winter, indoor and summer sports.

Dustin Butterfield, ASRAB's Director of Competitive Sport, explained they are thrilled to have Weersink throughout the season as a role model for their athletes.

"We are really excited to continue the season with Arik. It is awesome for him to make a donation and invest his time to make our organization and program stronger. It is also great to have him spreading the word about blind hockey."

Trevor Keeper, Weersink's head coach for the past six years at RDP, said if the fifth-year student-athlete could be a captain as a goaltender, he would probably be one.

"He's a huge part of our leadership group and a very respected veteran player on our team. He goes out of his way to make sure everyone is treated equally. Also, he goes out of his way to make sure our team is involved in the community."

In his six years with the Kings, Weersink has a 40-15 record while maintaining a 2.96 goals-against-average and a .902 save percentage.

On top of his dollar-per-save donation, he hopes Kings fans and the rest of the Red Deer community will join him by donating time or money. Prospective volunteers or people wishing to donate can go to their website, www.asrab.ab.ca, to find more information about the organization.

The Kings will be at home on Friday, November 10, as they welcome the SAIT Trojans to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre Arena for a 7 pm puck drop.