WATCH: Thousands can join in on the fundraiser in memory of Nathan O’Brien. Global’s Jill Croteau has more on the big puck drop down at the Saddledome.
CALGARY – Organizers have announced a charity hockey game in honour of Nathan O’Brien.
The Nathan O’Brien Charity Hockey Game will take place at the Saddledome at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5th.
It will feature Calgary Flames Alumni taking on a team called ‘Nathan’s Heroes,’ comprised of MLAs and officers from the Calgary Police Service who were involved with the O’Brien investigation.
Police determined the five-year-old boy and his grandparents, Kathryn and Alvin Liknes, were murdered after their disappearance in June of 2014.
Douglas Garland, 54, has been charged with three counts of murder in connection to the deaths.
Funds raised by the February hockey game will be directed towards a number of Alberta charities including Children’s Cottage Society, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids and the Flames Even Strength Program, via the Nathan O’Brien Children’s Foundation.
“The overwhelming support we’ve received for this event has been a shining example of the community spirit that exists in this city and beyond,” said a news release from the Nathan O’Brien Children’s Foundation.
“It’s the support from friends, family and complete strangers that gives us the strength to move forward and create a lasting legacy for Nathan.”
READ MORE: Grieving family says final farewell to ‘superhero’ Nathan O’Brien
The event will even feature a puck-drop by former NHL goalie and sportscaster Kelly Hrudey.
Tickets are $5, and are available through Ticketmaster.ca.
“You can also just come and make a donation at the door,” explains Nathan’s mother Jennifer O’Brien. “It’s just going to be a great night.”
On the weekend, dozens took part in a hockey tournament in Springbank that has been renamed to honour Nathan.
The Nathan O’Brien Memorial Timbits Tournament was held from January 9th to 11th.
O’Brien was a member of the Springbank Jr. Timbit Senators and wore the #6 jersey.
Friday marked the first time the boy’s parents had returned to the Springbank arena since his death.
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