High-level university hockey is coming to Huntsville with a two-game exhibition series in support of the Huntsville Minor Hockey Association (HMHA).
The University of Toronto Varsity Blues will take on the Carleton University Ravens at the Don Lough Arena in the Canada Summit Centre on Friday (Sept. 18) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 19) at 3 p.m.
Proceeds from the games will go toward supporting HMHA players and their families, helping offset rising registration fees and other costs associated with minor hockey.
HMHA Vice President Jon Morton said the University of Toronto reached out to him last spring about bringing the exhibition series to Huntsville, as part of their initiative to give back to smaller communities.
“It’s something very exciting in my view because we get the opportunity to see a very high level of hockey in Huntsville that we don’t often get to see,” Morton said.
Morton said the HMHA is extremely grateful Huntsville was selected as this year’s host community.
“When you think of all the places that the U of T Varsity team could have played at, they chose Huntsville for a reason,” he said. “They love the community, they love the facility at the Summit Centre. Their team even has friends and family that are from the area that will be watching the game.”
The weekend will also feature Chuck-a-Puck, a Timbits game, a 50/50 draw with prizes, and player development sessions on Saturday morning hosted by University of Toronto players and coaches.
“It’s a really great opportunity to get the Huntsville minor hockey players out all together as a team building and community building activity,” Morton said.
Morton highlighted the importance of supporting youth sports, as they provide children with valuable lessons that extend well outside of the arena.
“I think hockey and many other team sports teach kids to get along with other people, to deal with challenges, overcome obstacles, to deal with winning in the right way and deal with losing in the right way,” Morton said. “There are so many lessons to be learned that apply for the rest of your life. So I want to give as many kids as I can the opportunity.”
Morton also emphasized the positive impact this event and ones like it have on the Huntsville community and encouraged residents to come out and show their support.
“I think that stuff like this puts us more on the map than we already are…it’s good for local businesses and it’s good for the town,” he said. “Let’s get everybody out to support these two teams, let’s welcome them to the community, make sure we pack the Don and have a good time.”
Admission to each game is $10, and HMHA players get in for free.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
