By Bryan Eneas

18th annual Battle of the Bellies benefits local youth

Feb 24, 2017 | 11:08 AM

Two hockey teams faced off for a good cause at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Center.

On Feb 23, members of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s (LLRIB) Kethenow Group of Businesses team squared off against members of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Chiefs in a fundraiser hockey game.

“[It’s] mainly to bring people together, and just to have fun,” LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said after the game.

The game was brought about in 1999 by the late, former Vice Chief Leonard Hardlotte. According to Cook-Searson, he wanted to bring communities together while supporting youth in sport at the same time.

“I believe his vision… is to bring more money into the communities, into minor sports. The youth that are participating in minor sports and when they go to tournaments… there’s a little bit of extra money for them,” Cook-Searson said.

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Hardlotte’s contributions were honoured with a moment of silence after the game.

The PAGC Chiefs team consisted of members from the 12 communities within the grand council, along with a few additions. Prince Albert Police Chief Troy Cooper represented the PAGC Chiefs during the game. He said it’s a great opportunity to re-connect with old friends while supporting a great cause.

“It’s incredible,” Cooper said. “Some of those players I only get to see when we have games like that, so it’s a nice opportunity for me to be able to connect like that.”

Cooper said he’s been playing with the Chiefs for five years, and at 51, he’s still having fun.

“I’m getting a little long in the tooth to be playing hockey,” Cooper said. “It’s still a really fun opportunity for me to be out doing something, staying fit and being able to be with my friends.”

A $1,500 cheque was presented by the LLRIB along with a $2,500 donation made by the PAGC team. Brand new hockey sticks were also donated to the youth after the hockey game.

“It’s not always easy for communities to support sporting opportunities for young people,” Cooper said. “For me that’s what this is about… It’s so rewarding when we play the game. After the game we have the kids come out on the ice… the look on their faces is priceless.”

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas