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There will be lots of goals scored and some big saves once again, but those involved all have one goal — cure cancer and save lives.
The World’s Longest Hockey Game Juniors is set to take place from Jan. 25-28, on the acreage of Dr. Brent Saik, just outside of Sherwood Park (52269 Range Road 220).
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The game will feature 45 children aged 10-16, who will be hitting the ice outdoors for 72 hours straight in hopes of raising $500,000 to support childhood cancer clinical trials through the University of Alberta.
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This will be the ninth hockey game played since the inaugural event started 21 years ago. It’s the second year in a row the game has featured youth.
The children taking part will take turns taking shifts playing for two to four hours each, until the game finishes.
“It makes it a lot of fun,” said Dr. Saik.
“The amazing thing is when these kids get involved, they don’t care that it’s cold, they just keep skating, and they’re out there having fun and smiling. It’s neat to see their fortitude, of these kids. Keep in mind, some of them are just 10 years old.”
Saik started the event in 2003, in honour of his father Terry, who passed away to cancer. Shortly after the first game Siak’s wife Susan passed away from cancer, so he has made it his mission to fight this deadly disease through this event.
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Through each hockey game, and two baseball games, Saik and those who have taken part in the games have raised more than $7.4 million for cancer research.
Saik said the kids involved in the World’s Longest Game last year and this year really take the event to heart.
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“They really get it. They understand the process. Most, if not all the kids have a grandma or grandpa who they lost to cancer, or have a mom or dad battling the disease,” said Saik.
“I can’t imagine what those parents who are fighting cancer, who are sitting in the stands watching their kids raise money through this cause feel like … the emotions. I have a tear in my eye just thinking about it. I can’t imagine what they feel.”
To put on such a big event over the years takes a lot of work from Saik and all of his supporters. Organizers are working hard this weekend to get everything in order for the event to kick off on Thursday.
Saik has played in the event multiple times, but this year he will give it his shot at refereeing the game.
The puck hasn’t even been dropped to start the game, but the kids involved in the game have already raised $62,856.
“I feel so lucky and blessed. These kids are leaning on everyone they know to support it, and it’s so special,” said Saik.
“The fact our community, after 20 years, continues to drive funds, it’s unbelievable for me.”
Funds from the World’s Longest Hockey Game have purchased medical equipment to help the fight against cancer.
Last year, funds raised went to the Ben Stelter Fund and the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
Cancer has deeply impacted Saik, and everyone at some point in their lives will know someone battling cancer.
Saik has made it his mission to help cure cancer.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t cured cancer, but we will,” said Saik.
“If I didn’t think we could cure cancer, I wouldn’t do it. We have done things that have saved lives. I know it can be done, so we will keep doing it.”
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