The 16th annual Cody Dennis Memorial Game returns to the Blackfalds Multiplex on Feb. 1, 2020.
The game was initially started by Dennis’s family and his Blackfalds Minor Hockey coaches after Cody passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident on June 8th, 2004.
Brenda Dennis, Cody’s mom, said the game often features players who played with Cody.
“It is a game with the players that used to play with Cody,” she said. “Those players have aged and moved away, so we have some that played with Cody and we have been recruiting players who have won the Memorial Award. That is usually a player from the midget team playing every year.
“They come out and play and we also recruit a few more that are familiar with the game.”
The game is a fundraiser in support of Blackfalds Minor Hockey and has typically raised between $3,000 to $4,000 every year.
The game is intended to be fun and involves many members of the Blackfalds hockey community.
“The first period they play against Blackfalds Minor Hockey with each team selecting a few players to play. The second and third period is against Blackfalds Minor Hockey coaches,” Brenda said.
The home team is comprised of several players from Cody’s rec league team.
”A lot of the originals have moved away and some can’t play hockey anymore, but it is still going,” Brenda said. “We never thought it would last this long.The few from that team look forward to coming.
“It is almost like a reunion every year for that team.”
The money raised from the game supports minor hockey in several different ways.
“It is to keep expenses down in minor hockey,” Brenda said. “We put on skill events to help with minor hockey and it gives that extra boost. Minor hockey doesn’t always have the resources for that.
“We have done jerseys and other things in the past.”
The night also features the awarding of the Cody Dennis Memorial Award, which goes to player on the highest level of Blackfalds team playing that season.
“It is good to keep the memorial award going because it gives the players some initiative to strive for it,” Brenda said.
If you are unable to attend, donations can be arranged with the Dennis family.
“We have taken monetary donations in the past from people who can’t make it,” Brenda said. “Last year we did pretty good. We didn’t think we would fair as good with the way the economy has been. We seem to be doing alright.”
The game is supported by the Central Alberta Toy Run Association, who volunteer at the event.
“They work the door and do the draw tables. They have been awesome and they have stepped up to the plate for 16 years,” Brenda said.
The game will be at the Blackfalds Multi-plex on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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