Wild Rose MP Blake Richards’ Rocky Mountain Hockey Challenge is set to change formats this year.
Instead of a pro-am hockey game, this year’s event will focus on giving fans an opportunity to get to know NHL players.
“After five years on the ice, we wanted to take this event in a new direction,” said Richards in a press release. “Up to this point, players in the game repeatedly told me that their favourite part was getting to interact with the current and former NHLers, hear their stories and have a few laughs. I thought, why not bring this part of the event to the audience as well?”
Renamed Rocky Mountain Hockey Night, the event will feature an informal banquet at Il Forno Italian Pizza in Airdrie, with several high-profile pros slated to speak.
“The idea is that it will be an evening of entertaining stories celebrating Canada’s game, while enjoying an authentic Italian feast prepared by Sal Mona and his staff, which guarantees it will be a great time,” said Richards.
Rocky Mountain Hockey Night directly supports the Cochrane and Area Victim Services Society, Bow Valley Victim Services Association, the Airdrie and District Victim Assistance Society and the Chinook Arch Victim Services Society. All four victim services units provide counselling for victims of crime, disaster and other tragedies, as well as advocacy for victims of crime.
“To date, thanks to tremendous support from the community and many generous sponsors, including our title sponsor, Bow Valley Credit Union, we have raised more than $280,000 for these worthy victims assistance organizations,” praised Richards.
Fundraising efforts as part of this year’s event will also include a silent auction, featuring premier and exclusive hospitality packages in the Rockies, as well as raffles for trips for two anywhere in the world WestJet or Air Canada fly.
Rocky Mountain Hockey Night takes place Sept. 7,with a reception starting at 4 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, those interested can visit rockyhockeynight.com.
