Fundraising push

Defenseman Shayne Monahan of the Kenai River Brown Bears pushes Kasilof’s Sandra Berzanske on the ice at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex during a fundraiser for the team Monday. The event included a barbecue and skate with the team. Steve Stuber, organizer of the effort to save the Bears, said the event raised $13,500 and estimated the fundraising drive has raised over half of the $300,000 needed to save the team. “I’m really optimistic,” Stuber said. But time is running short. Nate Kiel, Brown Bears general manager, said a decision will be made on the future of the team early next week. “We’re all in this together, but they led the charge,” Kiel said of the fans. “That’s been the beauty of it.” In the coming week, the group will continue to use season-ticket packages, corporate sponsorships and a fundraising effort at gofundme.com to aim for the goal. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)