By Mark Squibb

The St. Kevins High School Mavericks will suit up against Mavericks alumni players for the 9th Annual St. Kevin’s High School Alumni Hockey Charity Classic on March 9, and while the game may not attract quite as many eyes as the USA and Canada championship, the fans in the stands may be just as passionate.

The event has grown year over year. Last year, some $11,725 was raised for various local charities, about $4,000 above the previous year’s record.

Organizer Jason Snelgrove said it’s hard to imagine the charity event is in it’s ninth year.

“Last year, when they brought out the slip of paper with the amount raised, I was floored, I couldn’t believe it,” said Snelgrove, who recalled in years past he had joked about one day raising upwards of $10,000. “From the beginning, whether it was $1,000 or $5,000 or $10,000, whatever money we make from an alumni community event, is great. It’s going to go to a worthwhile cause, charity, organization, or family. It’s money that we’ve raised that they wouldn’t of had access to otherwise.”

But just like in hockey, Snelgrove said the goal is always to do one better than last year. To date, the event has raised about $48,000, and Snelgrove is hoping to cross the $60,000 mark this year.

This year’s major recipient will be the Curtis Hudson Memorial Fund.

In years past, the event committee has earmarked a minimum of $1,000 donation for the memorial fund, which aims, amongst other things, to build a playground in memory of Curtis Hudson of Goulds Elementary, and it was once featured as a major receipient.

“This year we decided to go back to them as a major recipient because they’re doing great work in Curtis’ honour,” said Snelgrove.

The committee has also committed to donating at least $1,500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters 75 Door Campaign, which serves to connect mentors and youths.

Snelgrove said it’s the first time donating to the organization, and the committee is excited to do so.

Funds will also be raised for the Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society, as has been done the last number of years.

New this year, the committee introduced a full set of Mavericks trading cards and team poster, representing members of the current St. Kevin’s hockey team. All proceeds from sale of the bundles, priced at $25, will go to the Curtis Hudson Memorial Fund. The bundles were sold on a first come, first serve basis, and only 50 were made available.

Snelgrove said the cards were mainly intended for younger fans of the high school team.

“The young kids in the community, they look up the Mavericks high school team,” said Snelgrove. “So, hopefully we’ll get some hockey cards and posters in their hands that they can get autographed.”

Snelgrove said he hopes that the annual event leaves a lasting impression on people, especially the young ones.

“For me, showing the young people that they can make a difference, that there’s value in volunteering, that there’s value in raising money for charity, there’s value in giving back to people in the community, that’s the big goal,” said Snelgrove. “I was born and raised in the Goulds, currently living in Petty Harbour, and to be able to give back to people in the community is special.”

Local U7 and U9 teams will once again hit the ice during the second intermission. There will also be a free family skate ahead of the alumni game.

There is no admission at the door, although donations will be accepted. Snelgrove said the event is open to all.

“We want people to celebrate the Goulds community for what it is,” said Snelgrove. “We want people to come out to the rink, stand in the stands and cheer and have some fun. It’s a family night out that doesn’t have to cost any amount of money.”

A raffle of 50-50 tickets will also be sold during the event.

Young guns to suit up against alumni for 9th annual Mavericks charity game