The Okotoks Bison's had some major fans in the stands last week. The Okotoks Atom Oilers and Bow Valley Novice Flames came out to watch the team play and see the game up close.

The Atom Oilers sat on the bench during warm up throwing the pucks out to the players as they skated on the ice. The Bow Valley Novice Flames played a mini game in between the first and second period with the Bison's Captain Darren Bordt and Assistant Captains Mark McLeod, Keifer Schaufler, and Connor Tudor.

 After the game both teams got to go into the Bison's dressing room and meet and talk to the guys.

Reed, off of the Atom Oilers said that his favourite part of the game was being so close to the guys during warm up and getting to through the pucks on the ice for them with his team.

"I look up to them because they are a good hockey team, they inspire me a lot," he says.

Reed along with his teammates and the Bow Valley Novice Flames enjoyed the experience and so did the Bison's. Caleb Eefting who is a new comer to the Bison's this year said that it was a new experience for him because he had never been on a team before where kids had come into the dressing room after wanting to talk to the players and get their autographs.

"Their eyes just lit up when they walked in and we love being role models for them, and being on the ice showing them how we should act on the ice and how good players play. I think they loved it just as much as we did." Eefting said.

As the kids went around the room they asked the guys on the Bison's questions and just talked to the kids. Eefting being a guy who quit hockey for five years was more than willing to talk and give advice.

"Stick with it even if you aren't playing a high level, you will get where you are going if you work hard enough."

The Bison's are excited to welcome more minor hockey teams to take part in this experience over the season, hoping to be the best role models they can be.

 Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com