Charity Hockey Game Raised $16,000 for Kelowna Food Bank

A true display of the Canadian love for hockey and our community's genuine enthusiasm to support those in need was exactly what was pictured on Saturday afternoon at the 2nd annual JDS Charity Hockey Game. Raising money in support of the Kelowna food bank, the level of support shown from the crowd was beyond commendable.

Photo credit: KelownaNow.

The puck hit the ice just after noon at the Capital News Centre Saturday afternoon and everyone seemed to be having a great time. It was a pros versus joes scenario as former hockey stars took on members of the community, including Kelowna Mayor, Colin Basran. The pros, white jerseys, claimed their victory by a landslide with a final score of 12-4, but it was the food bank who really won in the end.

Raising $16,000 in charitable donations for the Kelowna food bank, the JDS hockey game was both a lot of fun and a huge success. All of the proceeds raised from the game will go directly to the local food bank, specifically helping single mothers over the holidays.

The idea behind the game was sparked over a rivalry between former NHL star Brent Gilchrist and CEO of JDS Energy Mining, Jeff Stibbard. Gilchrist, President of JDS Energy and Mining, was razzing Stibbard when they decided to put their competitive side to work, the two designed a pros versus joes style tournament to support our local community.

Photo credit: KelownaNow.

Putting words into action this year, the JDS Charity Hockey Game managed to surpass last year's donation of $7,500 by over half.

The goal of the JDS hockey tournament is to give back to the community and support those who might need a little extra assistance in life's daily grind.

All around, Saturday's charity hockey game was a great time for everyone. Stars had the chance to bask in the glory of former NHL status, the joes worked up a good sweat, and the food bank received a giant cheque for $16,000 that will go to deserving families in our community.

Photo credit: contributed.

In an interview with Gilchrist on Saturday, mid game, he was energetic and happy about the turn out for this year's charity hockey game.

“It's going great for us, not so good for the other team. It's a lot of fun to see a bunch of ex-pros come out, a bunch of people from our company, and lots of friends and family to raise a little bit of money for the foodbank,” said Gilchrist.