As the Pat Quinn Classic minor hockey tournament returns to the ice in late December, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment is back as a platinum-level tournament sponsor.
“We are a part of the community,” explains Todd Pollock, executive vice-president of food and beverage, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment. “We understand the impact that sports can have for youth. We know sport is part of Burnaby, so it’s important for us to be a part of the Pat Quinn Classic.”
After the competition was cancelled last year, Pollock is pleased to see minor hockey players return to Burnaby for the tournament. “It’s exciting to see people getting back to sport, safely. Entertainment and sport are about bringing people together and this tournament is another step towards a return to normal.”
Every Monday night, some Gateway employees take to the ice to play hockey at the Burnaby Winter Club. “Hockey is part of Burnaby and part of Gateway,” adds Pollock.
Pollock says sport and tournaments such as the Pat Quinn Classic are about friendship, leadership, discipline, character-building and work ethic for the players. “That’s what’s exciting about sport. But at the end of the day, it’s just fun.”
The sponsorship includes restaurant discounts and special hotel rates for players, families, coaches and scouts at the Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby.
Note: Photo is before the COVID-19 Pandemic. From the 2019 Pat Quinn Classic.