The Mountainview Colts and Three Hills Thrashers worked together to bring in nearly $40,000 for the Rural Ride for Dad organization at the Colts' fifth annual fundraising game, officials said.
The Colts raised $32,000 with seven goals, while the Thrashers brought in about $7,200 with one goal, according to the final count after the game on Feb. 16. This far surpassed the goal of $30,000 that organizers had hoped for.
Ride for Dad founder and president Garry Janz said it was an exciting game to watch, especially since each goal scored brought in more money for a good cause.
"Everybody was cheering the whole way through and I'm so proud of these guys, you wouldn't believe itó 40 grand in one evening,î said Janz.
He explained that all the money raised will stay in the province and will be put towards both research for, and to raise awareness of, prostate cancer.
"I'm speechless - almost $40,000. They're amazing ambassadors for an amazing cause and they do more good, and not only with the money, but (in raising awareness),î he added.
"Last year they did $20,000, and this year they doubled it. It's been a long time since I've seen this level of hockey and I was just amazed at how these guys can fly around.î
Dean Harper, chair of the local Rural Ride for Dad chapter, was excited about the results of the game.
"We're still in shock. And you know, once it's all said and done, our final numbers are going to be over $40,000, we think,î said Harper.
"That's absolutely freaking awesome - and amazing. All of us at the rural (chapter), we quite honestly are still in shock and awe. It's like ëDid that actually happen?'î
He noted that the Rural Ride for Dad chapter would like to thank both the Colts and Thrashers organizations and everyone that supported them in the game.
"Really those numbers would not be the way they are unless they got the support they got from the community,î he said.
The Thrashers did well for their first year, he added, noting that the Colts brought in between $3,000 and $4,000 after their first charity game five years ago.
The Thrashers were even talking to Harper about doing it again next year too, he said.
"Talking to them they sound like they're very enthusiastic about doing it next year, and that's great for us to get the word out: get (your prostate) checked. We want to save your life, your dad's, your grandpa's, your son's, and future grandson's lives.î
Fran Murphy, who came up with the idea five years ago, said she likes supporting Ride For Dad because it's a charity that will benefit everyone in Alberta.
"What better place to work for than a local charity that's going to benefit your own community,î she said.
"There aren't too many charities that work for men's canceró a lot of it is breast canceró but when we get into the men's cancers, it's an opportunity for companies to help towards that, it's great.î
She was happy with the effort that the players put in for fundraising, she added.
"And it's not just the kids, it's the parents. The parents that go out and get the sponsorships and work so hard for it, the kids do the pledges for goals,î she said.
"And that's the beauty of this association is we have parents who support the kids and support from the community and it's awesome - just awesome. Thank you to the boys and hopefully we can save some men's lives.î
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The Thrashers' head coach Ian Hall briefly recapped the game itself.
"We didn't do very well, we were battling last night for third (in the league) so we sat a bunch of guys and didn't really have the effort we needed,î said Hall.
"It was pretty good for our first year. We learned a few things and maybe a few things we might do different, and if we try again with Didsbury next year, it should be good.î
Mike Clark, assistant coach for the Colts, said now that the Thrashers have seen first-hand what a big event it is, they can raise just as much as the Colts if they try again next year.
"Fran (Murphy) is such a trooper,î said Clark. "We have her, and it's her baby so it's hard not to want to try hard, so I think that's what the guys were doing. So I think now that Three Hills sees it, next year they'll get a little more, because it's going for a really good cause and that's very important.î
He said prostate cancer is going to affect every single one of the players in one way or another, and to help raise awareness and research through fundraising is a worthwhile cause.
