Minor hockey players donned red and white striped socks for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta’s (RMHCNA) second annual Winterland Invitational.
A total of 36 atom, novice, and pee wee hockey teams from across the region gathered in Bonnyville, Glendon, and Elk Point to take part in the tournament, which ran Friday, Feb. 15 to Sunday, Feb. 17. Proceeds from the weekend will go toward providing services at the Ronald McDonald House.
According to Oreen Skiba, stakeholder relations manager for the Lakeland region for the RMHCNA, the tournament saw substantial growth since the first event.
“Last year, we were only in Glendon and Bonnyville and we only had 24 teams,” explained Skiba. “There was such an appetite to have more teams come on board. Last year, we sold out in two days, so teams obviously wanted to be part of it. We were lucky enough that Elk Point was willing to host us, they have some great volunteers up there, and we were able to grow to 36 (teams) this year.”
Spots sold out within a week, and over 90 minor hockey teams were interested in participating.
In hopes of surpassing the $110,000 raised during the first invitational, Skiba said the goal for this year was $130,000. The total for this year wasn’t tallied as of Nouvelle press time.
Bonnyville mayor Gene Sobolewski noted the tournament’s success allows more funds to be raised for the cause.
“I think it’s not only good for the town, but it’s good for the region because we’re spreading the love around.”
Regardless of the results, players hit the ice to enjoy the games and give back to the Ronald McDonald House.
“It’s all about the tournament, the hockey, and these kids having fun. That’s what it’s all about,” expressed Sobolewski.
Bonnyville Pontiacs atom player, Ryder Farrer, said participating allowed him to support a charity his family used when his sister was sick.
“It’s important just to show our respect for what they’ve done for us and all the families,” he added.
This was Farrer’s second time taking part in the Winterland Invitational.
Along with fundraising, the event also promotes the services that the Ronald McDonald House offers to families in need, including those living in the Lakeland.
“It’s a home away from home for families that have to travel seeking treatment for their seriously ill child,” Skiba detailed. “In addition to accommodations, we have a number of different programs to help alleviate financial burdens. We’ve got a shuttle program, a meal program... anything that we can do to help that family in their time (of need).”
With the high amount of interest in the region, Skiba believes the Winter Invitational will be hosted annually.
“We’re trying to have maintained growth so we can continue to have a very strong event. We don’t want to grow too fast, and then lose some of the organization,” she said.
In the future, they may even offer games in more arenas around the Lakeland.
“Eventually, we’ll be looking into other communities. I don’t know if it will be next year or not, but we’re looking at expanding,” expressed Skiba.
