Sport for Calgary Foundation

Hockey 4 Ukraine from March 24 to April 1, 2024, a historic event unfolded for Ukraine through the power of ice hockey. For the first time in Ukraine's history, the U18 National Ice Hockey Team embarked on their preparation camp for the 2024 IIHF World Championship 1A in North America, specifically in Calgary, Canada. Thanks to the gracious invitation from the Calgary Canucks, the IHF of Ukraine had the opportunity to assess the top talents under 18 years old to represent the 2024 U18 NT. Many of these players had been displaced by the ongoing war, each carrying their own profound life story. Their collective presence held a unique and powerful significance. The coaches gained invaluable experience and knowledge exchange with Canadian experts, embracing new digital advancements in hockey. The team engaged in dual daily ice hockey practices and played two exhibition games against the U18 Alberta All-Star team at the Max Bell Arena, with enthusiastic support from Ukrainian refugees and honored guests, including Ms. Lois Mitchell, Mayor Jyoti Gondek , Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women in Alberta Tanya Fir, and Minister of tourism and sport of Alberta Josef Show. The camp culminated in the team attending a thrilling game between the Calgary Flames and the Los Angeles Kings at the Saddledome arena, an experience made possible by Peter Hanlon generosity. The success of Hockey 4 Ukraine is made possible by the generous support of presenting partners Calgary Canucks Jr. A Team, Hockey Calgary ICE HOCKEY FEDERATION OF UKRAINE The Mitchell Foundation, Adrenaline se Source for Sports, Kyiv Capitals, Innovecs, Sylvan SW and Tim Hortons USA, Inc. Supporters include Evans Hunt, HNLive.ca and Showpass , while patrons and associates include Sport for Calgary Foundation Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Ukraine Ministry of Youth and Sports. All the fundraised money will go towards children's on-ice programs and veteran rehabilitation through the sledge hockey program. It's challenging to express emotions when the cause is so much more significant than words can convey. Personal gratitude to those who initiated this project and have supported it from its inception to its current stage - Gord Miller, Sandy Edmonstone, and Brad Moran . Best wishes to the team’s staff on this journey - head coach Oleksandr Bobkin, assistant coach Ruslan Borysenko, doctor Andrii Kuprian, equipment manager Danilo Hrytsenko, and, especially, our players. May luck and strength accompany you in achieving your goals. The participation of Ukrainian teams in international events holds immense social significance for all Ukrainians, symbolizing unity, resilience, and hope in challenging times. Thank you to everyone who has joined in any way! Your attention and assistance are still needed. Please follow the U18 team's journey during the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Denmark, Frederikswan, from April 14-20, 2024. 🏒🇺🇦 #Hockey4Ukraine #UnityAndHope #Sport #Peace