The Kimmett Cup is a quintessential Canadian charity event and 2024 will mark the 15th annual competition, which honours the memory of University of Calgary Medical School Alumnus Lindsay Kimmett.
The Kimmett Cup will take place February 9 and 10 at Mitford Pond and the SLS Centre in Cochrane.
Reid Kimmett was likely in the minority of Cochranites to be happy to see the mercury dip down this week, which will mean a solid freeze-up for the pond.
“For our timing, this cold front is going to serve its purpose, I think,” Kimmett said.
“We’re definitely grateful that it’s cold – maybe not in this moment,” he said, with a laugh.
A new twist this year is the top three fundraising teams will be able to draft a ringer for their teams from three NHL alumni: Cory Sarich, Mason Raymond, and Brent Krahn.
Kimmett said this might be the year he ends what he called the “Kimmett Curse.”
“None of us have ever carved our name on the big trophy,” he said.
Those who aren’t playing hockey are still welcome to come down to the pond, he said.
“Ya, just come on down to the rink and take part in the spirit there,” he said.
In the last 15 years the Kimmett Cup has raised over $2 million for charity, and has become an annual celebration embraced by the entire community of Cochrane.
The tournament’s goal is to raise funds for beneficiaries but mostly to bring the community together to celebrate Lindsay, the game of hockey and the participation of players of all abilities on teams ranging from beginners to third generation family teams, to business and service club sponsored teams, to highly competitive entrants.
Organizers hope the community will jump on board and fill the tournament with teams and support of the three chosen charities.
January 11 announcements
- Team registration deadline is January 19. Currently 42 teams are entered with the absolute limit being 54.
- New division added – U18 Co-ed. Eight teams are entered in 2 divisions with 4 team playoff. Teams are filled with Cochrane House League and Jr. Chaos players. This new venture will create opportunity for local Cochrane youth to participate now and in future as alumni adult co-ed teams. Discussions are underway regarding possible scholarship opportunities and support of Yelnats Cup. This division is sold out for 2024. New contact is U18 Coordinator – Graham Torrie (contact information is in quote availability below
- The Draft a Flames Alumni Ringer Program presented by Cochrane GM can be viewed at (20+) Facebook.
- Unfortunately the Men’s Division has only one team entered and will be cancelled unless the four team minimum is achieved.
- Kimmett Cup is seeking community support and involvement for the event through the website www.kimmettcup.com.
Support and involvement covers things like: team entries; sponsorships; volunteer signup; just launched 50/50 draw tickets – win up to $10,000; donation page is open – pick a player or team and receive a charitable tax receipt; online silent auction will start January 29, and, teams can also receive refunds this year based on fundraising participation to make registration cost as low as $200.
There are four registration categories this year: co-ed competitive with playoffs, co-ed recreational no playoffs, fun division no playoffs, and men’s division with playoffs.
Team rosters are usually six to 10 players per team and play is three on three with a minimum of three games in the non-playoff divisions and up to five or six games for playoff divisions.
Registration can be completed on www.kimmettcup.com The initial registration is to just book a spot in the tournament, rosters can be filled at a later date.
The beneficiaries are he Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area, Helping Families Handle Cancer and Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Fundraising page is open at www.kimmettcup.com or https://kimmett-cup-2024.raisely.com/
Returning sponsors not already contacted will be called. New sponsors can join online or contact Reid Kimmett at 403-554-0415.
