The second annual Handlebar Hockey 24-hour Hockey game in support of Movember will start on Nov. 16, 2018 at 7:30 p.m and wrap up on Nov. 17, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the Casman Centre.
Last year over $25,000 was raised through first annual Handlebar Hockey 24-hour Hockey Game that had 68 men and women participate along with about 100 minor hockey players who put on a jamboree on Saturday afternoon.
Clinton Bretecher, organizer of Handlebar Hockey, told MyMcMurray that our event finished third in Canada for the Hockey Fights Cancer, Movember Challenge.
“It was really good, we got the whole community involved,” said Bretcher. “We were able to promote a lot of awareness around what Movember focuses on such as prostate and testicular cancer, mental health awareness and suicide prevention.”
Alberta Health Services, Canadian Mental Health Association and Some Other Solutions all supported the event.
Bretecher was inspired to put on the event after the wildfire and evacuation when he realized how many people were facing not only physically health challenges but mental ones too.
“Movember is a time to put a little but of focus on men’s health and that’s something very important to me,” said Bretcher. “I’ve been working up here for 12 years and obviously working out on site there is a predominate male population and men don’t know how to deal with their problems very well.”
He wanted men and boys in the community to be reminded that there are healthy ways to deal with their problems and approach aspects of life.
“I thought that a bunch of people getting together, supporting each other, playing some hockey, it was something fun for us to do but at the same time it gives us the opportunity to talk about a lot of things that sometimes just don’t get talked about,” said Bretecher.
Registration for players is $200 and includes a custom jersey, socks, food and drink throughout the event provided by Horizon North, Tim Hortons and Michelle’s Independent YIG and an after party at Wood Buffalo Brewing Company.
To register, email Bretecher at handlebarhockey@hotmail.com.
Donations can be made online as well as at the event that will also feature a silent auction and a 50/50 draw.
