BY JIM MASON
OJHL COMMUNICATIONS

Ryan Ramsay knew the Haliburton County Huskies were onto something during a mid-summer boat ride in cottage country.

“It’s been nice just walking around town or passing other people in the channels on your boat and seeing them wearing the team’s sweaters and shirts,” said Ramsay, the head coach and general manager of the team formerly known as the Whitby Fury. “It’s a real good feeling.”

How good?

The Huskies have sold 250 season tickets.

There were 180 fans at their Blue and White game.

Their preseason games were sold out, although COVID-19 precautions limited attendance.

Two area Foodland stores have been peddling Huskies merchandise, selling 400 hats and 300 T-shirts alone.

“There’s a buzz around town for sure,” said Ramsay, who moved into the community with his family last March.

He has a weekly spot on the local FM radio station. The local newspapers carry weekly reports on the team.

Billet co-ordinator Jess Jackson found homes for the 21 Huskies who do not live in the area.

The Fury had played out of Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby since 2008 before moving two hours almost due north to Minden in May. Ramsay said team officials struck out trying to find better ice time or a home in a new rink in Whitby, on the east side of the GTA.

Meanwhile, the Township of Minden Hills was seeking a junior team to play out of the newly renovated S.G Nesbitt Memorial Arena.

A deal was done.

The rink portion of the Minden facility had been demolished and replaced as part of a $12-million renewal project.

Finishing touches were being completed on the Huskies’ 2,700-square-foot home dressing room in September. There’s a separate workout area for the players.

“We’re lucky to have the space that we have,” says Ramsay, who played five years in the Ontario Hockey League and 11 in the pros after one season with Oshawa in the OJHL.

The Huskies’ home opener is Oct. 2 against the Lindsay Muskies.