2015 - Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan
Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan wasn't only about hockey – it was about making a difference in a community and one day in the life of a special young man.
Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan wasn't only about hockey – it was about community.
Months of planning by this town of 1,200 residents culminated in a two-day celebration of the game aimed at raising $50,000 for improvements to the 48-year-old Carnduff Fast Centennial Arena. They achieved that goal but more importantly, they forged community spirit.
"It's been phenomenal," said committee member Mason Crossman. "It's just brought so much excitement to the community and given so many people a chance to get involved."
The event kicked off Friday with a banquet headlined by Hockey Canada president Tom Renney and NHL legend Tiger Williams. Some 48 hours and 10 hockey games later, locals celebrated a win by their hometown Red Devils in a Big Six Hockey League battle with Redvers.
The weekend's marquee attraction was a Saturday night SJHL showdown which saw the Notre Dame Hounds edge the Battlefords North Stars 3-2 in a shootout.
"The best part about hockey is that it brings people together," said Jake McMillen, who grew up on a farm east of here and returned Saturday as a member of the North Stars. "Hockey is just fun to be around – whether you're a dad bringing your son to the game, or just a couple of kids going to the rink to hang out and chase after girls."
A four-year partnership
In addition to 10 hockey games, Hockey Day delivered the Cameco Kids Zone, a youth hockey camp, a pancake breakfast and a community cabaret. It was a celebration that Cameco president and CEO Tim Gitzel wasn't going to miss.
"This stuff is really important to me," said Tim, who arrived from meetings in Beijing in time for Friday night's banquet. "It's important that I'm here to support our volunteers and the community."
Earlier this winter, Cameco signed a four-year partnership with the Saskatchewan Hockey Association to support Hockey Day in Saskatchewan. “The event, which will travel to a different community each winter, is a perfect fit for Cameco's mantra of making a difference”, said Tim.
"It covers all of the bases that we try to cover – youth, being active in sports, community involvement and the school has also been involved, so there's an education component. With the way that people have stepped up here, we're really proud to be part of this."
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Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan - Weekend Wrap
January 23, 2015
Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan wrapped up on January 18th in Carnduff. The three-day festival featured ten hockey games, the Cameco Kids Zone, a banquet, a youth hockey camp, a pancake breakfast and a community cabaret. Carnduff surpassed its goal of raising $50,000 to make improvements to the town's 48-year-old arena.
Cameco and the Saskatchewan Hockey Association will bring the event to three more Saskatchewan communities over the next three years.
Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan - Carnduff 2015
January 19, 2015
Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan commenced with a banquet in Carnduff on January 16, 2015. Approximately 350 people attended and nearly $35,000 was raised during an auction, which will be used toward the town's arena.
Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan Announcement
December 15, 2014
On hand to make the announcement were Battlefords North Stars players Michael Statchuk, Jake McMillen, Kendall Fransoo, Ryne Keller, along with coach-GM Kevin Hasselberg (not shown) and Cameco CEO, Tim Gitzel – who played three seasons with the Stars' predecessor, the Battlefords Barons.
Carnduff hosted the inaugural Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan in January, 2015
About 350 people attended the opening evening banquet festivities on January 16th.
Over $35,000 was raised in an auction held after the opening banquet.
"It's important that I'm here to support our volunteers and the community," saysTim Gitzel, president and CEO.
Battlefords North Stars coach Kevin Hasselberg leads a camp with Carnduff minor hockey players as part of Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.
Jake McMillen, a member of the SJHL's Battlefords North Stars, returned to his hometown of Carnduff for Cameco Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.
Members of the Oxbow Huskies pee wee team (L to R - Levi Cooley, Austin Hewitt, Charity Lemieux and Dawson Greenshields) sport souvenir toques.
