KNEEHILL – A wave of school spirit and hockey excitement swept through Kneehill as 825 students from Three Hills, Trochu, and Prairie Christian Academy took part in Hockey Alberta’s school program. The initiative, which aims to bring hockey into the classroom, turned the tables last week by bringing the classroom to hockey, offering students a front-row seat to the U15 B Provincial Championship.
Through the Hockey Alberta Foundation, the school program is designed to ignite a passion for hockey in every kid and every community. By providing accessible resources, support, and opportunities, the Foundation ensures that young athletes, regardless of their background, have the chance to experience the excitement and life lessons that hockey offers. This initiative fosters inclusivity, teamwork, and skill development, inspiring the next generation of players and fans to be engaged in the sport for years to come.
With the U15 B tournament hosted in Kneehill from March 20-23, the energy surrounding the event reached new heights as students filled the arena on March 21 to cheer on their local team. The experience was about more than just the game—it was a lesson in teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit.
For Tara Geddes, a member of the provincial committee, the idea of incorporating Hockey Alberta’s School Program into the championship seemed like a natural fit. However, she never anticipated just how much interest it would generate.
“In our first provincial meetings with Hockey Alberta, we learned about the HA School Program. I decided to take this task on, as I am already very involved with the school as a parent and an EA,” Geddes explained. “I was expecting a couple of hundred kids to attend our home opener game on Friday, March 21, but the response was overwhelming—825 students wanted to watch the game.”
The unexpected turnout presented a logistical challenge. Would the arena be able to accommodate such a large crowd? Geddes meticulously planned seating arrangements, ensuring every student, parent, and fan had a designated spot. As the opening light show began and every seat was filled, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“The kids had brought signs, noise makers, and pom-poms. We gave out as many jerseys as we could, stuffies were thrown into the crowd, and the cheering was absolutely electric. Our team had never experienced a crowd like this before,” she said. “Even though the outcome of the game wasn’t what we hoped for, the energy never wavered. The students kept cheering from the first puck drop to the final buzzer.”
For the players, the atmosphere was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
“Made me very nervous at the start, but I was also very pumped to have that many people watching,” said Isaiah Powell, a U15 B Kneehill Chief player. “Any time we did something good, it felt electric. Was crazy hearing the crowd go nuts knowing they were all cheering for us. Almost couldn’t hear the whistle over the noise from the crowd.”
His teammate, Jaxon Geddes, echoed the sentiment.
“It was nerve-wracking at first, but the energy of having so many people watching got me fired up! The atmosphere was electric! Hearing the crowd roar with excitement, knowing they were all behind us, was surreal.”
The excitement wasn’t limited to the players. Younger students in the stands experienced a day they would never forget.
“It was lots of fun because we got to go with our friends from our class, and during the intermission, we got to do a dance party, and some of us got stuffies!” said Tucker Arvidson, a Grade 1 student.
“I had the best time at the hockey game. I cheered, I danced, and I sang! It was so much fun, and I got a super cute stuffy named George. I also got to sit with my friends,” added Grace Fenton, a Grade 3 student.
Greg Lendvay, Associate Principal at Three Hills School, praised the event for the way it brought the community together.
“It was so great to have Three Hills School and the community pull together to back this provincial tournament. We appreciate the support from Hockey Alberta that helped us create an atmosphere where 800+ students could experience the game,” Lendvay said. “This partnership allowed us as a K-12 school that has a regional special needs program to also allow our students to participate in sledge hockey. As an Associate Principal, what you want to hear from students is, ‘When is the next Hockey Provincial Championship?’ Mission accomplished!”
The success of the event was made possible by the dedication of volunteers, educators, and community supporters. Over 150 volunteers played a role in ensuring the U15 B Provincials were a seamless and memorable experience for everyone involved.
As the cheers faded and the last puck dropped, one thing was certain—the impact of this experience would stay with the students for years to come. The Kneehill community came together in a remarkable way, proving that hockey is more than just a game; it’s a unifying force that builds lifelong memories.
