Red Coats for Kids RCMP hockey tournament coming to Cold Lake

The Cold Lake RCMP Detachment will be hosting this year’s Red Coats for Kids RCMP “K” Division hockey tournament. The games will bring in between 80 to 120 RCMP hockey players January 30 – February 1, 2019.

“The tournament has been running for several years in various communities around Alberta,” confirmed Constable Jeremy Willis. Cold Lake was chosen due to excellent facilities and local businesses.

The tournament is hosted in a different community each year. The previous year it was held in Airdrie and prior to that Red Deer.

High-caliber hockey is expected

Mayor Craig Copeland says the City is excited to host the event. “We’ll have some real high-level hockey coming to Cold Lake.”

The tournament runs a competitive aspect and a non-competitive aspect usually with four to six teams in each division. “There is nothing at stake but bragging rights,” stated Cst. Willis. “The competitive aspect often has some RCMP officers who have played at a high level of hockey including some recently out of the CHL.”

Getting kids involved in sports

The tournament is open to the public to enjoy, but more importantly it’s a great opportunity for members to unwind and socialize. “The tournament is a chance for RCMP officers to meet up, have a great time and socialize while benefiting a great cause,” explained Cst. Willis..

The great cause this year being KidSport Cold Lake. “We chose Cold Lake KidSport as we felt engaging more youth in sports can benefit the Cold Lake. Being RCMP officers in the community, we believe through first hand experience that involving youth in pro-active sports activities can help keep youth occupied and avoid getting drawn in to poor life choices.”

Cold Lake KidSport provides sporting equipment for youth and their families that may not be able to afford the opportunity. “We are hoping to raise $3,000- $4,000 for KidsSport Cold Lake chapter,” stated Cst. Willis.

Council supports tournament

The City of Cold Lake will support the event by providing the facilities at no cost. A value of $1785.00. “We looked at it as an opportunity to not only give back to the RCMP and their families, but also the economic spin,” Mayor Copeland explained that there will be many people staying hotels and dining at local restaurants during the three-day event.

The Red Coats for Kids hockey tournament will be held at the Energy Centre, January 30th-February 1st, 2019 and is open to the public.