Written by Mark Payne
Chestemere, Alberta
16/04/2024
@hockeypayne
One of the greatest things about what I do is I would do it for free. So today in the name of charity I did just that. I couldn’t believe the stamina exhibited by these hockey players who haven’t left the rink since April 5th as they skated back and forth charging the rink like it was their very last stride.
It’s difficult to encapsulate an entire hockey season in a moment; it’s even harder when emotions run over. During the long hockey season players, staff and volunteers have their ups and downs. It’s not lost on me that I am writing this from the seats at Ken Bracko Arena watching the Calgary Canucks in the Inter Pipeline Cup Finals. The same rink hockey fans first heard the name “Halat” in Southern Alberta.
Alex Halat you have left a wake not even Chestemere Lake could contain. What an incredible event, countless volunteer hours enjoyed by fans and of course the hockey players. As I waited patiently for the closing ceremonies to wrap it provided a time to reflect on the entire hockey season.
I spent my share of time in hospitals the last few seasons and I can tell you first hand the hours the nurses and doctors put in behind the scenes peril in comparison to the work put in around the hockey rink except for this event. Talk about all hands on deck.
Dad used to call what I get to do the “sandbox of life”. The other day a friend told me a parent sent him a screen shot of my LinkedIn page describing “this guy takes minor hockey way too seriously.” Nope I just love what I do and wear a stupid hat cause I am losing my hair at a rapid pace. And I love the people even more than the game.
In reality this season I have taken more time to reflect than ever and I even started to enjoy the ride again. If I had to describe what motivates me it’s witnessing others live their best lives. Captain Alex Halat thanks for leading the way this week! The kids at the Children’s Hospital deserve it. I’ll remind the Calgary Canucks not to break the PIMs record tonight, they have a Championship to win so I would say the record is safe for another season.
Those are just AJHL statistics from the past. Your Legacy could only be captured in a hockey marathon. Proud to call you a friend inside and outside the hockey arena! One of the fans captured it perfectly that these players will need a “forever sleep” tonight. You’ve earned it!
If you haven’t made a donation yet to @hockey_marathon please if you can spare $5, $10, $20 or anything of that sort please donate.
#cancersucks #hockeymarathon #hockey #albertachildrenshospital #yycnow #yycevents #love #cancertreatment #cancer