CALGARY – A special hockey game will be held at the Saddledome this Thursday to honour the memory of 5-year-old Nathan O’Brien, who went missing late June 2014 and was tragically presumed dead after a weeks-long investigation.
Seven officers who were involved in the heartbreaking case will be lacing up to play in the game, including Det. Mike Cavilla and Det. Dave Sweet. They will face off against Calgary Flames alumni for the occasion.
“It hit home for a lot of us; I’ve got a little five-year-old at home,” said Cavilla.
The big game is Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. and will raise money for several children’s charities. Tickets can be bought at Ticketmaster.ca for $5 under “Nathan O’Brien Charity Hockey Game.” The crowd is encouraged to wear super hero costumes, since O’Brien loved them.
The officers say it’s an honour to participate.
“Anytime there’s a child involved you reflect back on the circumstances in your own life and the fact you have your own children,” said Sweet. “It really lights a fire under you to do your very best and move the investigation forward the best you can.”
O’Brien and his grandparents, Alvin and Kathryn Liknes, were last seen June 29. Suspect Douglas Garland was charged July 15 with two counts of first-degree murder, and one count of second-degree murder in the death of the young boy. The bodies of the victims were never recovered.
READ MORE: Timeline of the missing Calgary family Nathan O’Brien, Alvin and Kathryn Liknes
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