The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins are pleased to announce Mandee Park as the team’s Volunteer of the Year for the 2025-26 season.
Currently in her fourth season as Billet-Coordinator with the team, Park has established herself as a recognizable face at Bruins’ games and team events with her tireless work behind the scenes as billet coordinator, merchandise director and the organizer of events such as the Bruins’ New Years Cabaret which debuted last year.
Mandee’s time volunteering with the Bruins started out organically, when she and her family began billeting for the team back in 2015. Shortly thereafter, she would begin to assist Gail Chilman (then billet coordinator) with small duties as the 2017 season went along, with her role expanding more officially to her current titles in 2021.
When asked what it is that keeps her coming back, Park said it’s the relationships built along the way.
“Billeting is a huge part of it for me,” Park said. “I’ve met such amazing players and families who have become such important people in our lives, and a lot are still involved with our family today. Billet coordinating gives me a chance to help others enjoy the same experience we have and its really opened my eyes to how many moving parts it takes to keep the organization running. I’ve always loved planning and organizing things so I’m just happy to be a small part of such a big team.”
Having grown up, born and raised in Estevan, Park knows full-well what the Bruins mean to the community.
“The Bruins have always been a great organization, and I’ve been familiar with the team ever since I was a kid. I remember attending games back when I was younger, and I would help occasionally taking tickets in the Civic as a teen,” she recalled with a smile.
“My parents also billeted when I was younger, so, I’ve spent my fair share of time at the rink, and I’ve always wanted to get involved with the community in some capacity. [My son] Keegan started playing hockey when he was five, so my husband and I decided to jump on the billeting train and haven’t looked back.”
As for the award itself, Mandee called it an honour to be recognized as Volunteer of the Year, having seen the many cogs in the wheel who help the team run.
“Its very humbling,” she said. “I don’t do it for the recognition, I just try to help where I can and be a positive attribute. Being named Volunteer of the Year means a lot but I am just grateful to be part of such a great team and group of people.”
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Marty Martinson/Bruins PxP & Marketing Director
On X: @MartyMartyPxP1
