500 youth hockey players stick it to kids cancer in weekend tournament
About 500 young hockey players are playing their hearts out this weekend, while showing that their hearts are in the right place as well.
The opening ceremony for the eighth annual Simons Valley Hockey Association "Stick It to Kids Cancer" tournament was held Friday night at Max Bell Centre.
The tournament was started to show support for a Simons Valley player named Alec, who lost his battle with cancer in 2016.
Another Storm player, Luca, passed away from cancer in 2021.
This year, a player named James is the superhero for the tournament. At age six, his leg was amputated because of bone cancer.
He's still dealing with cancer in his lungs and he got a big cheer Friday night.
Puck drop at the Stick It to Kid's Cancer tournament, Friday March 24, 2023
The tournament started with one team, and has grown over the years to 28 teams in multiple divisions, from Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatchewan.
Players did everything from shovelling sidewalks to holding bottle drives to raise money.
"All the teams also have to raise at least $750," said tournament coordinator Stacy Baltzer. "We have teams that are over $6,000 raised. It's been incredible. I think the next (highest) team was $4,000 and $3,000.
"There isn't anybody that didn't meet those $750 quota in order to come to the tournament," she added, "so it's quite amazing that 28 teams are able to raise that much money."
Proceeds from a 50/50 draw, silent auction and raffle go to Kids Cancer Care.
If you'd like to participate, click on the link for more information.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Danielle Smith's UCP holds onto power in Alberta
Danielle Smith is still the premier of Alberta, surviving a vigorous campaign and a tight vote Monday against NDP challenger Rachel Notley.

Singh calls for foreign interference rapporteur Johnston to step aside
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pushing for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside' from his role examining the issue of foreign interference before he embarks on public hearings.
New Democrat MP says she is target of foreign interference by China
New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan said Monday that Canada's spy agency has confirmed her long-held belief she is being targeted by the Chinese government, as the prime minister granted the NDP's wish to allow more party members to review top-secret intelligence.
Golden Knights reach 2nd Stanley Cup Final after Game 6 win over Stars
William Karlsson, William Carrier and Jonathan Marchessault are finally getting another chance in the Stanley Cup Final, after the first one that came so quick for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Caleb Martin helps Heat to 103-84 Game 7 win over Celtics and spot in NBA Finals
Eastern Conference finals Most Valuable Player Jimmy Butler scored 28 points, and Caleb Martin had 26 points and 10 rebounds to help the eighth-seeded Miami Heat beat the Celtics 103-84 in Game 7 on Monday night and advance to the NBA Finals for the second time in four seasons.
Canadian parliamentarians condemn Uganda's recently passed anti-homosexuality law
Canadian political leaders and parliamentarians are denouncing a new law passed in Uganda that imposes harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for certain cases involving homosexuality.
Free prescription drugs could reduce overall health-care costs in Canada: study
Overall health-care costs could be reduced in Canada by providing free prescription drugs to patients, according to a new study.
Northern B.C., Alberta and all of Ontario under 'high' to 'extreme' wildfire risk: What to know
There's a heightened risk of wildfires across the country during what has been one of the earliest fire seasons on record. From British Columbia to Nova Scotia, here's where the risk is highest.
Strategic city planning can mitigate 'urban heat island' effect, make cities cooler in summer: study
New research from Penn State University found certain factors can contribute to reducing what’s known as the 'urban heat island' effect, and that climate knowledge can contribute to better city planning and design.