Image credit: Kamloops Storm
SAUSAGE AND LEGS

Wiener dogs to race, compete in best-dressed contest at Kamloops Storm game

Jan 30, 2025 | 6:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — Rescue dog Odin ambled calmly around the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre meeting room chosen for interviews with Kamloops Storm general manager Matt Kolle and a pair of representatives from Angel’s Animal Rescue Society.

Odin was tranquil, calm before the sausage storm.

“Wiener dog race is definitely my favourite night of the year,” said Kolle, whose Kootenay International Junior Hockey League club is second in Doug Birks Division standings. “Who doesn’t love dogs?

“When we do something, we try to tie it into doing some good in the world. Angel’s Animal Rescue Society is special. The way they take care of our loved ones, our pets, it’s pretty special. The least we can do is help raise money to make their lives a bit easier.”

The Storm (19-16-1-0) will host their third annual Wiener Dog Race Night on Saturday (Feb. 1), when the Merritt Centennials (22-11-3-1) come to town for a 7 p.m. start on Mac Isle.

Dachshund’s will be unleashed in semifinal heats during the first intermission. The winning wieners will advance to the championship race, which will take place in the second intermission.

Eighteen dogs were registered as of Thursday (Jan. 30) afternoon and Kolle would like that number to grow, noting 24 is an ideal race field.

Registration fees (new entrants will be accepted until noon Saturday) and money from silent auctions and the 50-50 draw will be donated to the rescue society.

“It means a great deal,” Angel’s volunteer Susanna Hobbs said. “All the dogs are spayed and neutered and any vet care that has to be done is done. They’re socialized. All of this requires a lot of money and we are a registered charity, so if any animal lovers out there want to help out, that would be great.”

Angel’s board of directors member Andrew Barry said the Merritt-based organization has rescued and re-homed more than 14,000 animals since inception in 2008.

“Some of them come from different backgrounds, some of them more extreme than others, but there is a rehabilitation component to that, therapy I guess you would call it, between humans and dogs, and dogs and dogs,” Barry said.

Kolle said the duelling dogs will also be featured on the catwalk, getting red carpet treatment while modelling outfits during a best-dressed contest.

“I love seeing people happy and the dogs always put on a good show,” Kolle said.

Merritt joined the KIJHL in time for the 2024-2025 campaign.

The game on Saturday will mark the first regular season contest between the teams in Kamloops.

“It’s a special night and we love to share it with Merritt,” Kolle said. “We just hope we come out on the right side on the ice.”