Airdrie's newest hockey team is getting ready to hit the ice and last night (June 27) was a chance for local families to get to know the team.

Coaches and managers with the CFR Chemicals Bisons met with prospective players and their families at Genesis Place to hear their vision for the 2017-2018 season.

Head Coach Dan Gendur said we was impressed with the turnout.

"It was great, there was a lot of people. It just shows the commitment throughout the community of Airdrie for our organization."

Gendur was joined by Mark Maloney from the Global Sports Academy, who will be working to educate future members of the Bisons on top of physical training, a model being used by the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Gendur and the rest of his coaching staff are thrilled for the Global model because it'll build more than skilled players on the ice.

"We have to build people first. Hockey's such a great game for teaching life skills, the team aspect of everything and that's what we're preparing kids for."

It's been a busy and crazy last few months for the team and the Airdrie Minor Hockey Association, but Gendur is excited for what's ahead.

"The team was named to come to Airdrie in March and it has been a long process. There's been a lot of hands in the pot per se with getting this going and now it's kind of taking shape and I hope everybody can see that vision."

The Bisons will soon be finalizing their budget for the 2017-2018 season, including the costs for the Global Sports Academy.

The team will hit the ice for the first time on September 2nd for their first rookie camps.

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