Drillers a huge loss

Written by Scott Pattison and Dan Palmer

Saturday, 02 December 2000

The demise of the Edmonton Drillers professional soccer franchise is a kick in the teeth to those who have supported the club through thick and thin, say fans. Drillers' faithful were reeling yesterday, following news their beloved National Professional Soccer League squad folded under the stresses of growing financial pains. Natalie and Ray Volmer have supported the club, purchasing season tickets for their family for the past three years. The city won't have the Drillers to kick around anymore, proclaimed Natalie. "It's a huge loss," said the local soccer mom whose daughter, Dawn, regularly attended Drillers' soccer camps. "The Drillers' players always inspired our kids. They were really wonderful to them. If they saw the kids on the street, they would always stop and talk to them. "It's a huge, huge loss for our city." For many families, including the Rennebohms, the Drillers were more than just a team to cheer on - simply put, at $100 to $140 for season tickets, the team was excellent value for their entertainment dollar, explained Bob Rennebohm. "We bought six season tickets this year because it's affordable entertainment," Rennebohm said. He admits, between coaching, playing, his wife and two children's involvement in the sport and watching the Drillers, they eat, drink and sleep soccer 24 hours a day. "We can't really afford the Oilers. It's really hard to believe they're folding, but it's equally difficult to understand why people didn't support them better." Rennebohm was equally perturbed with Northlands Park officials for not hammering out an appropriate rental agreement with the Drillers. "I'm not really happy with Northlands and the ongoing hassles they caused the Drillers. Now they'll have to deal with another 40 dark nights at Skyreach." Northlands Park spokesman Cheryl Herchen said the team's demise is unfortunate. "Hopefully some sort of team will be back," she said. Northlands won't be hurt financially by the announcement since the team was up to date with its account and only paid for the cost of operating the facility during its games. "We weren't really making any money," Herchen said. Jim Fleming, president of the Canadian Soccer Association, said he was disappointed to hear the Drillers folded. "It's too bad. They provided affordable entertainment." Fleming said it's also frustrating the world's most popular sport, which is growing in participation across Canada, is unable to sustain a professional team in the city. "It's kind of paradoxical," he said. "The trick will be to build from that (interest)."