The Central Alberta Buccaneers were going door to door in Lacombe collecting non-perishable goods for the team’s annual food drive on Saturday.

Last year, the team collected close to 2,500 lbs for the Lacombe Food Bank.

“Lacombe’s such a great community for us. It’s just one way we can give back and help the city out,” said team co-chair Vince Roth.

The food drive has been a yearly tradition since the football team started calling Lacombe its home.

Despite moving to Red Deer for regular season games, the Buccaneers are maintaining a presence in town by holding practices at MEGlobal Athletic Park.

Roth said that events like the food drive are a good team bonding exercise.

“We get to hang out together and it’s a fun day for us,” he said.

Spring camp, game plans

About 40 players attended the team’s first full-contact practice, a number Roth said he’d like to get closer to 60.

The Bucs will also welcome back quarterback Brandon Leyh, who took the 2017 season off to focus on work.

As well, Roth said the team wants to boost the fan experience once games start at Setters Place at Great Chief Park.

Plans haven’t been finalized but he hinted at more giveaways and a mascot. In addition to beer gardens, they plan to use the Setters Place pavilion as a VIP area.