OLDS — On Dec. 7, the Olds College Broncos female hockey team, along with police and firefighters, will hold their second annual charity hockey game.
Billed as the Battle With The Broncos 2, the game begins at 7:15 p.m. at the Sportsplex.
There’s a twist this year. Instead of last year’s format, where the Broncos faced off against first responders, this year’s edition will see police face off against firefighters, with Broncos “drafted” to fill out the ranks of the two squads.
Another change is that this year, money raised will go to the Olds Christmas Angels, a volunteer group that has been collecting and delivering toys, and gift cards to needy families in the community for 23 years.
“I know they’ve had some tougher times in the past providing Christmas presents for all their kids,” community resources officer and Olds RCMP Const. Mitch Price, organizer of the charity game, said during an interview with the Albertan.
Money raised during last year’s inaugural event went to the Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society. An emergency shelter is being constructed on their behalf in Olds and is expected to open next year.
Last year’s initial Battle With The Broncos raised about $4,000. Price is hoping to at least meet and hopefully exceed that figure this year.
Fans can obtain entry to this year’s game by dropping off a non-perishable food Item for the Olds college Food Bank or by providing a cash donation to the Christmas Angels.
A raffle will also be held, as well as a 50/50 draw. Funds raised from both will go to support the Christmas Angels.
This year, organizers partnered with the Olds Minor Hockey Association and U13 female hockey teams that are hosting a hockey tournament that weekend.
Before the charity game begins, the U13s will hold a fastest skater competition.
During the second intermission, a shoot-to-win $10,000 competition, courtesy of Hildebrand Motors, will be held for all adults who wish to participate.
