Bring the Heat

From BCLocalNews.com:

As summer heats up, so are the streets of Abbotsford.

That’s because the city’s newest sports franchise, the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Heat, is unleashing its Street Team in parades, restaurants, festivals and local spectacles to promote B.C.’s only NHL farm franchise.

All five women are Abbotsford residents, and all are thrilled to be out and about in the local sports scene.

“I think it’s great for any team to have a face-to-the-name for the community,” says Elise Harris, a 23-year-old law student at England’s University of Leicester.

An admitted sports lover, Harris has experience in the industry, having worked with both the B.C. Lions’ Felions team and the Vancouver Giants. The gig with the Heat, however, presents a whole new opportunity, especially since it’s in her home town.

“Born-and-raised,” she happily proclaimed.

Carly Fredette, 24, also worked on the Felions with Harris and another member of the Street Team, Laura Ullock, a 22-year-old native of Toronto.

Fredette is attending the University of Alberta in Edmonton, but does that mean she is an Oiler fan?

“Heck no!” she quickly shoots back.

Melody Stanyer, 22, is the fourth member of the Street Team. She is a UFV student who is planning on becoming a teacher.

“It’s a cool thing for Abbotsford to have,” she says of the team, “and it brings enthusiasm for sports in general.”

The Heat also bring with them an opportunity for Fraser Valley residents to take in professional hockey without commuting to Vancouver to see the Canucks play.

“They’re not as good as the Heat,” Stanyer smirked.

The team’s fifth and final member, 19-year-old Nicolette Barnes, will have plenty of fun with the team, taking part in events such as Abbotsford’s upcoming International Rugby Sevens tournament, Agrifair and the International Airshow.

“People just surround our tent,” said Stanyer, noting all the attention their wash-off tattoo booth gets.

“I think we’ve tattooed every child in the city!” laughed Harris.