Sledge Hockey Day 2025: Our Best Year Yet!
- Robin Hood
- May 14
- 3 min read
On March 22, the energy inside Millennium Place was electric as Robin Hood Association hosted its sixth Sledge Hockey Day, a signature event celebrating inclusive sport, community, and the incredible power of belonging. Athletes of all abilities took to the ice alongside community champions, local leaders, and big-hearted sponsors for a day packed with powerful moments.
If you missed it—or just want to relive the action—watch the official highlight reel on YouTube.
Highlights from the Ice
One of the most memorable moments came when former Edmonton Oiler Ladislav Smid strapped into a sled and hit the ice with our Hood Rush athletes. His team played to a thrilling 3–3 tie against our Champion Sponsor, Mint Health & Drugs.
“I have a lot of respect for these athletes,” Smid said. “It’s a great experience for a great cause… Supporting inclusive sport is important—it can change lives and strengthen communities.”
That spirit was echoed by Hood Rush veteran Brittany Burt, who shared,
“Honestly, when I’m out there, it almost feels like I’m in the NHL. Being a part of the team has helped me grow, build skills, and make lifelong friends. The Robin Hood Association has changed my life completely."
A Day of Inclusion, Determination, and Joy
From high-fives and hard-fought goals to Zamboni close-ups, free-skate sled demos, kids' crafts and face painting, this year’s event brought so much joy. The opening ceremony, emceed by Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels and featuring the national anthem sung by Robert Clark, set the tone for a day filled with energy, laughter, and connection.
“Sledge Hockey Day isn’t just a sporting event. It’s a celebration of inclusion, determination, and the power of sport to bring people together,” said Ann Marie LePan, RHA’s CEO.
A Community Effort
Teams from local businesses and community groups suited up and showed up—not just to play, but to cheer, support, and connect.
“Our community grows stronger when we lift each other up,” said Deputy Mayor Katie Berghofer, capturing the spirit of the event perfectly.
One sponsor shared this anonymous but heartfelt feedback through our post-event survey:
“This was a big office discussion, and unanimously agreed as a kick-in-the-pants to get our charitable/outreach stuff going again. The organizers and staff are clearly emotionally invested in the fundraising purpose and organization. This was the most genuine fundraising event we've done in years. Everyone at RHA did an amazing job putting this together. We were just happy to be there and be included."
Supporting The Empowerment Project
All proceeds from Sledge Hockey Day support The Empowerment Project, helping to upgrade critical infrastructure and programs at our RHA Broadway facility and beyond. We’re proud to share that the event raised a net total of $63,075.87—funds that will go directly toward making our spaces more accessible, inclusive, and empowering for the people we support. We were grateful to receive grant funding from three different sources that made Sledge Hockey Day 2025 possible:
$14,000 from the Fort Saskatchewan Community Grant, used to purchase new sleds,
$13,700 from the Strathcona County Priority Fund to fund event expenses, and
$30,940 from the Government of Alberta's Community Initiatives Program Grant, also for event expenses.
Sincere Gratitude to Our Sponsors:
Sledge Hockey Day 2025 would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our amazing sponsors
Presenting Sponsor:
In-Kind Sponsors:
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to over 50 silent auction and swag bag item donors.
Until Next Time…
To everyone who played, donated, volunteered, cheered, bought merch, bid in the silent auction, or helped in any way—thank you. You made this day a success.
We can’t wait to do it all again in 2027.
Until then—stay kind, stay strong, and stay on your sleds. 😉
Mark your calendars! Pending funding, Sledge Hockey Day 2027 will be on March 22, 2027.
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