Hockey Gives Back: Cancer Awareness Night

On November 10th, the SEAC Tigers U17 AAA hockey team hosted an unforgettable Cancer Awareness Game, raising an incredible $11,866.73 for the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre in Medicine Hat.

Joined by the Lethbridge Headwater Hurricanes, the Tigers recognized and honored individuals who have bravely battled or are currently battling cancer, including Tigers goalie Carson Jerome, Danae Collier (a parent of a former player), and Denny Seibel (an uncle of a current player).

The community came together for an evening filled with support, including raffles, a silent auction, caramel popcorn sales, a 50/50 draw, and generous sponsorship donations. The funds raised will provide vital assistance to local cancer patients, helping cover the costs of traveling for treatments not available in Medicine Hat.

A big thank you to the 400 fans who packed the Kinplex Arena to support this important cause. Thank you, Tigers, for giving back and for sharing your effects made in the fight against cancer.

Hockey Alberta is proud to present five stories of teams who performed good deeds around the province, recognized through Hockey Gives Back.

PAC U16AA Energy Crane Saints

The PAC U16AA Energy Crane Saints recently visited the Copper Sky Seniors Community, where they spent time with the residents, handing out snacks and drinks, and singing along to live music. It was a wonderful opportunity to spread some holiday cheer.

In addition, on December 15th, the team hosted a Teddy Bear Toss and Toy Drive during their game against Fort McMurray. Thanks to the generous contributions from fans, they collected five bags of teddy bears, a bin of toys, and a collection of money and gift cards. These were all presented to the Spruce Grove Kinettes Club to support their holiday efforts.

Camrose Vikings U16AA

The second annual “Take a Shot and Give Back Challenge,” organized by Bekkah Burnstad and Lori Christenson from the Camrose Vikings U16AA team, kicked off at the end of November. This initiative, aimed at giving back to the community, challenged all Camrose Minor Hockey teams to come together and collect food and winter clothing to be donated to FCSS. The U16AA team, a strong advocate for Hockey Gives Back, led the effort by encouraging fellow teams to participate in the drive, helping to ensure that local families had the resources they needed for the winter months.

In addition to the food and clothing drive, the Camrose Vikings U16AA team set up an Angel Tree at a local business. The tree allowed community members to pick a card with a child’s name and wish list, providing the opportunity to wrap and donate a gift for someone in need. This effort not only supported local families but also fostered a spirit of community involvement and generosity during the holiday season.

Fort McMurray Bouchier Junior Oil Barons U13 AA

The Bouchier Junior Oil Barons U13 AA team organized a cereal drive to benefit the local food bank, aiming to support those in need within the community. In addition to this, the team took their giving efforts a step further by renting the boardroom at the arena to pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

The players filled a total of 26 shoeboxes with gifts for children overseas, ensuring that those who may not receive much at Christmas could experience the joy of receiving a gift. Each player also created personalized Christmas cards to include in the boxes, adding a heartfelt touch to the donations. This meaningful initiative not only made a difference for children across the world but also deeply resonated with the team members, leaving a lasting impact as they reflected on the importance of giving back during the holiday season.

KC Voyageurs U15AA

The KC Voyageurs U15AA team, in collaboration with the KC Shamrocks, organized a successful food bank drive to support the Edmonton Food Bank. The initiative showcased teamwork and community spirit as the players worked together to collect donations. Through their efforts, they gathered an impressive 132kg of food, which was donated to help those in need in the Edmonton area.

PAC Saints U18AA

The PAC Saints U18AA team gathered donations at a local grocery store to support the Spruce Grove Kinette Hampers. On Sunday, November 24th, the players worked together to collect items for families in need, helping to ensure that more local families would have a brighter holiday season.

Hockey Alberta is proud to present five stories of teams who performed good deeds around the province, recognized through Hockey Gives Back.

Drumheller Dragons AJHL + U15 Raptors

This year, the Drumheller Dragons AJHL team has had the opportunity of giving back to the community through several meaningful initiatives with the Salvation Army. They teamed up with the U15 Raptors and volunteered their time to support the Red Bag Food Drive, helping to provide essential food to families in need. The team also took part in the Kettle Bell Fundraiser, contributing to the holiday efforts that support individuals and families in their community.

As well as their work with the Salvation Army, the Dragons spent the day on November 20th at Tim Horton’s decorating Smile Cookies and helping to work the counter, with all proceeds going to support the Drumheller Legion.

Additionally, the Dragons donated the bears collected during their Teddy Bear Toss Night, spreading joy and warmth to children who needed it most. These initiatives reflect the team’s commitment to giving back and making a positive impact beyond the rink.

St. Albert Slash U18 AAA Female

The St. Albert Slash hosted their November Shut Out Hunger Food Drive and collected 260 lbs of donations for the St. Albert Food Bank! The team is incredibly grateful for the support from their community, other teams, and the friends and families who helped make the drive a success.

In addition, the Slash had the pleasure of hosting the U7 Ice Queens at one of their practices. The U7 Ice Queens sent a big thank you: "A huge shoutout and thanks to the @st.albertslash for having our U7 Ice Queens join them for their practice. You could see all the smiles on the girls through their helmets!

Whitecourt Wolverines U11 Team 2

Starting in November the Whitecourt Wolverines started giving back when the team volunteered at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #44, assisting with the setup for the Remembrance Day Luncheon by arranging tables and chairs.

In December, the team continued their community involvement by volunteering for the Pumpjack Players - Whitecourt Drama Society. The players helped set up for their dinner show, arranging tables, chairs, and other essentials for the event. These acts of service demonstrate the team’s commitment to supporting local organizations and giving back to the community that supports them.

Red Deer Predator Drilling Chiefs U11B + Red Deer Steel Kings U15 AA

The Red Deer Predator Drilling Chiefs U11B team recently partnered with the U15 AA Red Deer Steel Kings to purchase gifts for grandparents in their community. The players appreciated the chance to work together and were glad to make a positive contribution to the lives of local seniors. This initiative helped strengthen the connection between the two teams while supporting a meaningful cause.

GPAC Centurion Canada Storm U17 AAA

The U17 AAA GPAC Centurion Canada Storm recently collected toys to support the Helping Hands of Grande Prairie Little Elves Shop. This initiative allows parents to select gifts for their children at no cost, ensuring that every child has a present to open at Christmas. The team’s contribution helped make the holiday season brighter for local families in need.