The 2014 Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic, presented by ATB Investor Services, wrapped up Tuesday at the Stewart Creek Golf Club in Canmore, Alberta. The tournament raised over $60,000 for the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) Fund through event sponsorship, a live auction and a silent auction.
The EKEC Fund is designed to direct funds towards strategies that will engage communities and help them provide better access to kids who are not currently registered in hockey in Alberta. Hockey Alberta identified the need to support existing hockey programs as well as the creation of diverse hockey programs within the province, establishing the program in 2010, with the goal of making hockey accessible to all kids in Alberta. Since its introduction, the EKEC program has award grants to 18 communities for a total of $68,000 to various programs across the province.
Jordan Eberle (Edmonton Oilers), Mark Giordano (Calgary Flames), Jay Bouwmeester (St. Louis Blues), Thomas Hickey (New York Islanders), Zach Boychuk (Carolina Hurricanes), Adam Cracknell (Los Angeles Kings), Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets Prospect), Morgan Klimchuk (Calgary Flames Prospect), Mike Commodore (Former NHLer), Rob Brown (Former NHLer), Jason Strudwick (Former NHLer), Perry Berezan (Former NHLer) and Lindsay Carson (Former NHLer) were among this year’s celebrity guests.
“The funds raised at this event amazes us year in and year out and serves to reinforce our belief in the EKEC Program,” said Scott Robinson, executive director of the Hockey Alberta Foundation. “We want to build onto this event and we’re constantly looking for ways to grow not only this event, but the program as a whole.”
This year’s Golf Classic also broadcasted live on the FAN960 featuring interviews with many of the celebrities in attendance.
"It was great to return to Alberta for a few days to be involved with Hockey Alberta and the Every Kid Every Community Program to help raise funds for the cause,” said Giordano. “The Flames and ATB Financial are both big supporters of hockey programs in the community so to be able to be here to represent both at this event was important to me.”
Prior to Golf Classic, the ATB Financial Classic partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary (BGCC) for the EKEC ‘Rink to Links’ Event. The Rinks to Links brought 30 children from the BGCC to Canmore for a one-of-a-kind try hockey and golf event.
“We had a great group of kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary and being able to spend time on the ice with those kids who may never have the opportunity or means to play hockey without programs like EKEC was worth the trip back,” added Giordano.
“Without the help of our many sponsors we wouldn’t be able to put on an event like this,” added Robinson. “Organizations like ATB Investor Services not only want to benefit children around Alberta but they also help us in putting on unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.”
