The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team is gearing up for their fifth annual Hockey Fights Cancer charity game, set for Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5:15 p.m. at the Cenovus Energy Hub’s Co-op Community Arena.
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This year’s matchup will see the current Rustlers take on their alumni to raise funds for cancer care in Lloydminster.
Rustlers head coach Morgan Mann said the event started with a personal connection.
“My fellow coach Warren Noble chairs this event, and it began when he lost his sister to cancer while we were assembling our team,” said Mann. “That first year, we had players whose family members were battling the disease. There isn’t a family out there that doesn’t have someone affected by cancer — it touches all of us in one way or another.”
Mann emphasized the charity game is about more than raising funds.
“It’s a way of supporting players who have family members going through this. On any given year, it’s pretty personal. We thought it would also be a good charity event to give back to our community. All money raised goes directly to the health foundation.”
The game coincides with alumni weekend, adding an extra layer of excitement.
“Tying it in with alumni weekend has been a perfect fit,” said Mann.
For Noble, the event is a cornerstone of the team’s values.
“It’s one of our pillars for our hockey team and allows new players to understand what community involvement is about,” he said. “It’s a way for us to give back to the community that gives to us. Life is hard, and there’s stuff people have to face.
“All donations go towards cancer care in Lloydminster. Whether it’s new beds, chairs, or other equipment, that’s what we want the money to go towards.”
The fundraiser is also deeply personal for Noble, whose sister Teira Thomson, a beloved Lloydminster educator, passed away from cancer in September 2023.
“My sister was an amazing person and a Grade 5 teacher who touched many lives. She always gave back. There are three events named after her — a cross-country meet, a minor ball tournament, and a basketball event,” said Noble.
Fans can contribute through multiple avenues. The Rustlers are selling Hockey Fights Cancer apparel through KoLab Print Collective, available online and at the game, with proceeds supporting the fundraiser. Donations can also be made directly via the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation website, where funds go straight to the cancer ward.
Additionally, a silent auction will be live on the Rustlers women’s hockey Facebook page until 8 p.m. on Dec. 7, offering fans the chance to bid on unique items while supporting a meaningful cause.
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