WINMAR Moose Jaw AAA Warriors’ “Hockey vs. Cancer” weekend is already showing signs of becoming a meaningful annual tradition in the community, raising more than $9,000 this year in support of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

The two-day fundraiser took place Jan. 24 and 25 at the Temple Gardens Centre during a pair of regular-season games against the Prince Albert Mintos. The Warriors capped the weekend with a pair of wins, defeating the Mintos 11–2 on Saturday and 9–2 on Sunday.

The weekend marked the second year the club hosted the event, which was first created in memory of Evan McKechnie. McKechnie was the father of former Warriors goaltender Luke McKechnie and current Warriors forward Layne McKechnie.

“He passed away with cancer, not this past summer, but the summer before that,” said Jay-D Haughton, general manager of the WINMAR Moose Jaw AAA Warriors. “I wanted to do something in his memory and this program has never held, to my knowledge, a ‘hockey fights cancer’ type of weekend event.”

In its inaugural year, the Warriors partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society and raised funds through a specialty jersey auction and donations collected at the door.

“We raised just about $7,000 last year for the event,” Haughton said.

This year, the club shifted its partnership to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, a decision Haughton said was motivated by a desire to keep the initiative within the province.

“I wanted to do the same thing (this year), but obviously keep it in the province,” he said.

Haughton said the Warriors secured 23 sponsors for the team’s specialty jerseys this year, including local businesses and companies from communities across Saskatchewan where players are from. He said the sponsorships helped cover the cost of the jerseys, while also directing funds to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

The weekend also included ceremonial elements recognizing those affected by cancer, with Prince Albert joining the Warriors for a pre-game group photo featuring players from both teams holding “I fight for” posters to honour family members, friends, and others impacted by the disease.

“They could put on there who they’re fighting for — if it’s a family member, a cousin, or maybe just all those who are affected by cancer,” Haughton said.

Representatives from the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, including Jakki Crowe, Misty Selinger, and Danielle Langston, were also on hand for both games to collect donations at the door.

Haughton said the event remains especially meaningful for the Warriors and the McKechnie family, while also serving as a chance for players to learn the importance of giving back to the community.

“To see so many people come out and (show their) support, it is truly amazing,” he said. “I think it’s really important to show them what giving back looks like, and the importance of that as well.”

Although planning for next year is still in the early stages, the team is already considering how to expand the fundraiser moving forward. Haughton also expressed appreciation for the sponsors, supporters, and community members who helped make the weekend possible.

“We just want to say thank you to them, and thank you to the community of Moose Jaw,” he said.

For more information, visit AAAWarriors.ca or email ManagerAAAWarriors@gmail.com. To learn more about the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, visit CancerFoundationSask.ca.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express