Hockey Night in Clandonald to raise money for Stollery

Images submitted by Clandonald Ag Society.

A rural community is playing hockey around the clock to raise money for charity. 

On Friday, the puck drops for a 24 hour hockey game in Clandonald, roughly 35 kilometres northeast of Vermilion. 

Dubbed Hockey Night in Clandonald, the local Agricultural Society is raising money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. 

“We don’t do anything really for the month of February, so I just threw out this 24 hour hockey game idea, and boy,  within three weeks we organized it and it was up and running,” said Clandonald Agricultural Society president Ron Harasiuk about the origins of the event. 

The fundraiser has gotten a warm welcome since its inception. 

This year, there are 12 teams signed up for the 4-on-4 hockey, kicking off at noon on Friday and wrapping up around the same time on Saturday. 

It’s a variety of ages that get involved. The tots will play in the first action, all through the age brackets until the adults play. 

Harasiuk says they’ll be everyone from the age of 3 to 71 playing in the game. 

“It’s been a good turnout and it’s a lot of fun. It’s good for some laughs and good for some entertainment,” he said. 

In year’s past, Haying in the 30’s and STARS air ambulance have been the benefactors of the charity game. 

They’ve raised roughly $6,000 each year, and donation booths will be set up at the ‘Chromedome’ the site of the contest. Fair sized donation will be reciprocated with a tax receipt. 

There are also raffle prizes and a full concession on site for the day. 

“Thanks to all the participants, donors and spectators. And just an all around thank you to everyone that comes in and enjoys our weekend,” said Harasiuk.