Mayor’s Community Hockey Challenge

Mayor Blaine Hyggen is ready to strap on his goalie pads in the spirit of community partnership and Christmas charity.

The Mayor’s Community Hockey Challenge will take place on December 18 at 11 a.m. at the ATB Centre. The game will benefit the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, the Interfaith Food Bank, the Lethbridge Food Bank, the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union Food Bank and the Lethbridge College Students’ Association Food Bank.

Those wanting to attend are encouraged to bring donations of winter clothing and non-perishable food, while monetary donations will be accepted via this online donation platform.

“We held a similar event in 2015 benefitting various local charities, so I thought this is the right time to revive a version of it,” says Mayor Hyggen. “We know the holiday season and the month after can be challenging for many people in our community. This is a fun way to bring people together and contribute to helping those in need.”

“The Interfaith Food Bank is thrilled to be part of the Mayor’s Community Hockey Challenge, and are exceptionally pleased to see the Mayor and the City of Lethbridge taking an active role in working with agencies committed to addressing the food security needs in our community,” says Danielle McIntyre, Executive Director with the Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge. “We hope community members are excited to attend, have a great time at the game, and generate some good support for our local partners and programs.”

“During the Christmas month we see a sharp rise in client use,” says Mac Nichol, Executive Director of the Lethbridge Food Bank. “Many people find themselves in tough financial positions as the holidays come around and turn to their local food bank for support. Fundraisers like the Mayor's Community Hockey Challenge let us have the funds to help those who need our assistance.”

Intermission entertainment is being organized by the Lethbridge Sport Council and the national anthem will be performed in Blackfoot, French and English by Tsuaki Marule.

For the hockey game itself, a team of Community Partners will be taking on a team of City of Lethbridge staff, including Mayor Hyggen in net. Full equipment is required, but this will be a fun-themed, non-contact, full three-period game.

The City of Lethbridge roster will have players and coaches from across a variety of departments.

The Community Partners team will consist of representatives from 94.1 CJOC/98.1 2Day FM, 106.7 Rock/KiSS 107.7, BILD Lethbridge, CTV Lethbridge, Economic Development Lethbridge, Exhibition Park, Global Lethbridge, the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, Lethbridge College, the Lethbridge Herald, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Lethbridge News Now and the University of Lethbridge, with more anticipated to be announced ahead of the game.

Entry requirements to the ATB Centre will fall under the Alberta Health Services Restrictions Exemption Program. Further details are being developed and will be announced ahead of December 18.

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