The Kenai River Brown Bears will give fans a chance to meet new coach Josh Petrich today at 6 p.m. at Buckets Sports Grill in Soldotna. The event will go to 7:30 p.m., or later if needed.

Petrich was named the seventh head coach in the organization’s history last week as the Bears prepare to embark on their 11th season. In February, that season was thrown in doubt when Nate Kiel, general manager, announced the team would be inactive for the upcoming season. But a fan fundraising effort spearheaded by Steve Stuber raised $300,000 and the team was reactivated by the North American Hockey League in mid-April.

Stuber said Wednesday this opportunity to meet the coach is only the beginning and those involved with saving the Bears are melding nicely with the organization.

“I’m so excited about everybody working together and developing a team,” Stuber said. “Some people have really come together to form a great team.”