The Black Elk Hockey Camp (BEHC) in Ponoka Aug. 15 to 19, will be dedicated to the memory of camp co-founder, Marion Raugust.
The camp was established in Ponoka in 1984 by siblings Marion Raugust, Gord Jones and Richard Jones. The summer hockey school program operated successfully in Ponoka for 28 years, until 2012.
Expansion became an important aspect of Black Elk’s success. Over the 38 years that the camp has operated, schools have been held in 17 towns and cities across Alberta and the U.S.
Before her retirement from Black Elk, Marion was the “glue” that held BEHC together as she directed the registration and financial aspects of the camp.
Answering the telephone and responding to the myriad of calls she received was an important task she cheerfully completed for each camp. For many years, Marion coordinated the Saturday morning pancake breakfasts, signaling the start of another week of camp.
Marion was very excited to see that Black Elk was returning to its founding venue, Ponoka, and was looking forward to this year’s camp.
Unfortunately, Marion passed away suddenly on Dec. 14, 2021. Her brothers, Gord and Rich Jones, are dedicating this year’s Black Elk Hockey Camp to Marion’s memory.
- Submitted by Richard Jones