The 2024 Ben’s Cup brought together 32 hockey teams from across Alberta for an unforgettable event that combined hockey, competition, and fundraising for a meaningful cause. Held from December 27-29, 2024, at the Ardrossan Recreation Complex and Strathcona Olympiette Centre, the tournament featured 16 U-11 and 16 U-13 teams, competing in AA, Tier 1, and Tier 2 divisions for each age group. This Hockey Alberta-sanctioned tournament aimed to raise funds for the Ben Stelter Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing Proton Beam Therapy to Canada for the first time.
A unique aspect of the Ben’s Cup was the participation of the top 40 fundraisers, who had raised the most money leading up to the All-Star Game. These players were selected to play in the highly anticipated All-Star game, where they were joined by special guest appearances from beloved figures like the Edmonton Oilers mascot, Hunter, and super fans such as Banjo Guy, Super Fan Magoo, and McMullet. Mike and Leah Stelter also coached the teams, while Hunter split his time between the orange and blue teams as a player.
All funds raised from Ben’s Cup went directly to the Ben Stelter Foundation, which is working to bring Proton Beam Therapy to Canada. Proton Therapy is a cutting-edge cancer treatment, but Canada is the only G8 country without it. Every year, many Albertans must travel to the United States to access this vital treatment. The Ben Stelter Foundation is committed to changing that by bringing Proton Therapy to Canada and making it available to all who need it.
Before the puck dropped, attendees heard from special guest Peyton Walker, a 16-year-old who received Proton Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida, earlier this year. Peyton shared her powerful story of strength and courage, inspiring everyone in attendance. The Stelter family also spoke about the importance of Ben’s Cup and what it means to them. To make the event even more special, Robert Clark the Edmonton Oilers anthem singer sang "O Canada" before the game began.
All fundraisers were recognized at the end of the All-Star game, with Kaleb Williams leading the way by raising an impressive $19,467. He was followed by Emmett Madigin ($18,097), Jake Sarvas ($11,640), Carson Walker ($10,330), and Niall O’Brien Buckley ($9,975). Their dedication to the cause not only contributed to the success of Ben’s Cup but also played a significant role in raising funds to bring Proton Therapy to Canada.
The 2024 Ben’s Cup served as a powerful reminder that hockey is about more than just the game. As Mike Stelter stated, “It’s more than just a game.” He expressed his gratitude to all the players and parents for their incredible efforts in helping raise money for such a meaningful cause. It was an unforgettable weekend. Mike explained, “What made the tournament so great was seeing the kids stepping up to help other kids and fundraise.” By December 28th, the tournament had raised an incredible $494,897.77, and by December 30th, that total had risen to $605,402.91 in support of the Ben Stelter Foundation.
Mike continued, “It had such a fun environment, and hockey almost felt like the fun bonus of the weekend. The kids worked so hard on their fundraising, and it was so great to see them have so much fun after all of their hard work and dedication at the All-Star game.”
The success of this event highlights the power of sport to bring people together. The generosity of the hockey community will leave a lasting legacy on the lives of many Canadians.
To learn more about the Ben Stelter Foundation and how you can contribute to bringing Proton Therapy to Canada, visit www.benstelterfoundation.com.
2024 BEN’S CUP - PHOTO GALLERY >
