By Cheryl Jahn

CNC and Kodiaks ink partnership deal

Aug 18, 2025 | 3:47 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Kodiaks have teamed up with the College of New Caledonia for a first-of-its-kind partnership.

“This is the first time that CNC has partnered with a sporting organization,” says Cindy Heitman, President of CNC. “I mean, there’s been opportunities where people will come by and say ‘here’s some tickets for your students’ to fill the Coliseum, the CN Center. But to have a true partnership where it’s reciprocal back and forth, this is really exciting for us.”

Talks between the Kodiaks and CNC started about a year ago, and it is an achievement. And it’s not only a benefit for players, but the club.

“As we go out and speak to players and families, because part of the recruiting principle is that we recruit a family, not just a player,” says Scott Stoughton, General Manager for the Prince George Kodiaks. “We’re trying to find the right fit for kids. So, the potential for some educational benefits is attractive for players. And that helps us in attracting future Kodiak stars.”

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Under the agreement, CNC will provide tuition support for the players and, in return, the Kodiaks will recognize the college in stadium signage, game-day programs and an offer of discounted tickets for CNC students. And Cindy Heitman explains what is in it for the players.

“So the partnership is an opportunity for CNC to engage with the Kodiaks, we support some educational goals for students. We have an opportunity to advertise at the games, be a part of that Kodiak community,” says Heitman. “It builds some school spirit here, something for us to get behind. And I think themost important is that relationship with the community. We are a community college, and the Kodiaks are a community football team.”

The scholarships for the players are open for any program the College has to offer, but Heitman says, anecdotally, there is a certain predominant direction.

“Lots of these students really want to go into trades. When I first started talking with the Kodiaks, when we engaged in this really formally about a year ago, there was a lot of interest for trades programs. There are University Transfer programs. And as we mature with this partnership, I’m sure it will evolve.”

She says the partnership is about more than football, but investing in people.