Grudge match for charity; Lethbridge media, city to tangle on the ice

LETHBRIDGE – While they spend most of the year working side by side, Lethbridge’s media and city employees have a secret, underlying rivalry. It’s set to explode Thursday when the two sides square off on the ice in the second annual Christmas Hope Hockey Challenge.

Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $6,000 for the Christmas Hope campaign, a joint effort by the Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Food Bank and Salvation Army to ensure the less-fortunate get everything they need during the Christmas season.

“It feels great having people come, do the donations, and know that they’re not there for the hockey,” laughed city councillor and game organizer Blaine Hyggen.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The game starts at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 at Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre. Admission is by donation of a new, unwrapped toy, a non-perishable food item or cash.

“This year we’re actually projecting to serve about 200 more households than we had for last year’s Christmas,” Danielle McIntyre, executive director of the Interfaith Food Bank, said. “It’s super to see so many different sports organizations involved in the game this year, and we all know that it’s the charity who wins.”

There is some star-power to liven up the event. Former Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Mike Wuchterl is suiting up on the side of the city, while the media counter with University of Lethbridge men’s hockey coach Spiros Anastas.

“There is a little bit of hockey in there,” Hyggen said. “There are some pretty good players out there – they’re mixed in between, but it’s pretty good.”

Among the less star-studded members of the media roster are Global’s own Paul Kingsmith and Blake Lough. City councillors Hyggen and Rob Miyashiro headline the city side which is coached by councillor Bridget Mearns.

The full night of events also includes demonstrations from the Lethbridge Figure Skating Club, Lethbridge Ringette Association and Lethbridge Sledge Hockey.

“I would really like to see that $10,000 mark (for donations) this year,” Hyggen said. “We saw right around $6,500 last year — $10,000 would be fantastic.”

For a far more “detailed” breakdown of the game and rosters, click here.